Traditional Islam in Kazakhstan: historical formation, state discourse, and contemporary challenges

This paper examines notion, historical development, and contemporary trajectories of "Traditional Islam" in Kazakhstan, and places it in the context of the broader discussions on religion, state governance, and national identity in post-Soviet societies. It argues that Traditional Islam in Kazakhstan is not just a religious category, but a complex phenomenon shaped by Hanafi jurisprudence, Maturidi theology, Sufi traditions, local customs, and state regulation. The article shows how the notion has been shaped historically through changes in the culturally embedded pre-modern Islam, the Soviet secularization, and finally the post-1991 institutionalization and state support period. By comparing the situation in Kazakhstan with the experiences of other countries, such as Russia, Morocco, Indonesia, and Western Europe, the paper demonstrates that "Traditional Islam" is being utilized as a state-authorized discourse for ensuring social stability, political loyalty, and cultural continuity. The study calls for a more accurate conceptualization and warns against oversimplifying religious diversity by relating it only to security concerns. The key finding demonstrates that "Traditional Islam" in Kazakhstan functions as a state-mediated framework designed to regulate the religious sphere, ensure social stability, and reinforce national identity.