When Faith Moves Mountains: Religion and Politics in Tatarstan and Aktobe.

• In Event: Poster Session: Division 13 Politics of (former) Communist Societies

Abstract

What explains the dynamics of interfaith relations under authoritarian regimes? Research on secularism and policies toward religion suggests several models of interaction between religion and the state. However, few studies have controlled the relationship between secular and religious institutions for political regime. I advance the hypothesis that the nature of a political regime significantly affects the relationship between secular and religious institutions. Furthermore, political regime sheds light into the relationship among various religious communities. In this case study, building on earlier research explaining transformations in state-religion relations in Russia, I examine the competition between the Russian Orthodox Church and Islamic Muftiates for state funds and privileges in Russia’s Tatarstan and Kazakhstan’s Aktobe region. I support theoretical conclusions by original data collected in the field. Preliminary findings suggest that authoritarian rule does not guarantee interfaith peace and dialogue in the country, but it is able to maintain high level of cooperation between religious groups by facilitating “socially useful activities.”

Author

• Bulat Akhmetkarimov, Kazan Federal University