Turkey as an Islamic Actor in Central Asia and the Caucasus

Abstract

Because of its kinship with Central Asian and Caucasian peoples, Turkey was among the first to recognize the new independent states and to develop various political, cultural and economic relations with them. One of the most important dimensions of Turkish interest in the former Soviet Union was Islam. Indeed, considering that religion is a way to bring these countries closer to Turkey, Ankara charged the Diyanet (Direction for the management of religious affairs) to develop Islamic links between Turkey and Central Asia and the Caucasus. For that purpose, the Diyanet formed new Islamic elites in Central Asia, and contributed to the rehabilitation and construction of new mosques, among other initiatives for the emergence of a moderate and modern Islam. In addition to this Turkish official and governmental Islamic activism, various non-governmental actors, brotherhoods and foundations have played the same role in the post-Soviet sphere, where they developed various Islamic activities.