Search RFE/RL

Legislating Fashion In Central Asia

In late June, Tajikistan passed a law on “alien clothing” that bans certain types of Islamic attire, particularly from Arab countries, and some types of Western clothing.

In late June, Tajikistan passed a law on “alien clothing” that bans certain types of Islamic attire, particularly from Arab countries, and some types of Western clothing. Wardrobe violators run the risk of stiff financial penalties. Similar fashion mandates exist throughout Central Asia, focused more on women than men. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss clothing rules in Central Asia and who is affected by these directives are guests Svetlana Dzardanova, human rights researcher at Freedom for Eurasia, who is based in Kyrgyzstan; and Niginakhon Saida, a researcher, educator, and freelance journalist from Uzbekistan specializing in Islam, education, and gender issues in Central Asia.

Majlis podcast

Latest Episodes

In this biweekly podcast, host Bruce Pannier welcomes expert guests to discuss significant political developments and pressing social issues affecting the nations of Central Asia.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

The Racialization Of Central Asians In Russia

Racialization is the process of viewing a specific people with preconceived notions about them. In Russia, non-Russians — particularly people from Asia or the South Caucasus — have long been…

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Decolonizing Central Asia

Russia’s historical legacy in Central Asia has come under increased scrutiny in the region since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Legislating Fashion In Central Asia

In late June, Tajikistan passed a law on “alien clothing” that bans certain types of Islamic attire, particularly from Arab countries, and some types of Western clothing.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Three Years With The Taliban As Neighbors

Nearly three years have passed since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, to the dismay of much of the world.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Suppressing Karakalpakstan’s Sovereignty

Two years have passed since violence erupted in western Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan Sovereign Republic.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

The Threat Posed by IS-K To Central Asia — And Beyond

The threat of terrorism is never far from the minds of officials in Central Asia, who know that their region shares a 2,000-kilometer border with Afghanistan.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

The Rise Of The Organization Of Turkic States

Turkey is building up its influence in Central Asia — as shown by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Tajik Government’s Crackdown In Gorno-Badakhshan Enters Third Year

Two years have passed since the Tajik government launched its crackdown on residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, or GBAO.

Subscribe to the Central Asia in Focus Newsletter

RFE/RL’s Central Asia in Focus newsletter delivers the latest news and insights direct to your inbox.

By clicking above to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to our marketing platform, Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp’s privacy practices.