Kyrgyzstan, a predominantly Muslim nation in Central Asia, has sparked international debate after enacting a controversial law banning women from wearing full-body niqabs in public. The move, which came into effect in January 2025, has received strong backing from the country's official Muslim authority, the Muftiyat of Kyrgyzstan, and is being framed as a public safety measure.
According to Daily Mail, the law imposes a fine of 20,000 Som (£179) on women who wear the niqab—a garment that covers the entire body, leaving only the eyes visible. Officials argue the attire could be used by 'attackers in disguise' and is viewed as 'alien' to Kyrgyz cultural norms.
The Government's Stance on Religious Attire
President Sadyr Japarov defended the law during a recent interview, stating that the ban is essential for ensuring public safety. He added that women in Kyrgyz tradition have 'never worn a burqa', referring to a similar but more concealing garment. His comments echoed wider concerns across Central Asia about rising Islamist influence, a trend that intensified during the rise of the Islamic State between 2013 and 2015.
According to IBTimes UK, the niqab is different from the hijab—a headscarf that covers the hair but leaves the face visible. The hijab remains permissible under Kyrgyz law, as does loose, modest clothing that conforms to traditional Islamic guidelines.
Religious Authority Endorses the Ban
In a statement reported by 24.kg, the Muftiyat of Kyrgyzstan confirmed its support for the measure. It clarified that, under Sharia law, a woman must cover her body except for her face and hands, making the niqab non-obligatory. The Muftiyat described the full-face covering as 'an alien phenomenon' to Kyrgyz society.
'In today's realities, it is possible that, under the guise of our sisters wearing the niqab, troublemakers dressed in women's clothing will threaten public safety. Therefore, it is important to walk with an open face to be recognisable,' the Muftiyat explained.
Although the Muftiyat is nominally independent from the state, it traces its roots to the Soviet-era religious structures, which were often used to control religious expression.
Broader Context and Cultural Sensitivity
This legislative action in Kyrgyzstan adds to a broader global conversation about the visibility of Islamic dress in public spaces. European nations such as France and Austria have implemented similar bans, citing concerns over security, secularism, and cultural integration. In 2011, France became the first European country to fully ban full-face veils in public, a move that remains divisive.
The debate surrounding the niqab touches on complex issues of religious freedom, gender equality, and cultural identity. While supporters of the Kyrgyz ban argue it enhances public security and reflects national customs, critics view it as an infringement on personal liberties and religious expression.
For now, Kyrgyzstan's decision places it among a growing number of nations reassessing the role of religious attire in public life—and raises questions about the balance between tradition, security, and individual rights.
