Women, Islam, and politics in Samarkand (1991–2021)

A study of women, Islam, and politics in Samarkand (1991–2021) reveals that the hijab's symbolism has evolved significantly over three decades. Initially perceived as a return to pre-Soviet gender traditions, it is now increasingly associated with modernity by Uzbek Muslims. The research identifies diverse motivations for wearing the hijab, including religiosity, modesty, and spiritual purity, while also noting that some rituals are contested by official Muslim clergy. The study employs discourse analysis to examine how shifting societal perceptions have influenced women's engagement with Islamic practices in Samarkand.

Malikov, A., & Djuraeva, D. (2021). Women, Islam, and politics in Samarkand (1991–2021). International Journal of Modern Anthropology, 2(16), 548–569. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijma.v2i16.2