Nevruz Panel at the Faculty of Theology
An academic and scholarly panel titled “Nowruz: The Herald of Spring” was held at our Faculty of Theology. The panel took place on March 23, 2026, at the Abu Hanifa Auditorium.
The panel was moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Bakıt Murzaraimov, who delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of Nowruz in Kyrgyz history and highlighting its importance.
The first speaker, Assistant Professor Dr. Aiitmamat Kariev, presented a paper titled “The Place of Nowruz in Islamic Law.” In his presentation, he emphasized that the ruling on Nowruz depends on its content, supporting his views with Qur’anic verses, hadiths, and principles of Islamic jurisprudence. He noted that traditions associated with Nowruz can be celebrated as a national holiday as long as they do not lead to shirk, and that such practices do not contradict Islamic law but should be preserved as part of national identity.
The second speaker, Professor Dr. Kemal Polat, delivered a presentation titled “Religious Elements in Nowruz Celebrations among the Kyrgyz.” His talk covered the etymology of Nowruz, its historical background, its place in the history of Turkic peoples, Nowruz celebrations in Kyrgyzstan after independence, and the religious elements within these traditions. Photographs reflecting these traditions were also presented during the session.
It was also emphasized that Nowruz celebrations have been weakening in recent years, which was linked to their coincidence with Ramadan this year as well as the rise of religious radicalism in the country.
At the end of the panel, the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Dr. Hüseyin Akyüz, presented certificates of appreciation to the moderator and the speakers. The event concluded with a group commemorative photograph.
