| ID | 178853 |
| Title Proper | Protecting nation, state and government |
| Other Title Information | traditional Islam in Azerbaijan |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Bedford, Sofie ; Mahmudlu, Ceyhun ; Abilov, Shamkhal |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The article contributes to a better understanding of ‘Traditional Islam’ (TI), a state-led project in Azerbaijan to establish an alternative narrative promoting a specific local understanding of Islam that builds on its non-political, non-sectarian and national features to prevent ‘non-traditional’ religious variants from gaining popular traction. The phenomenon has not appeared in a vacuum. First, its features and functions stem from Soviet-era anti-religious and nationalities policies. Second, many aspects of TI resemble counter-radicalisation initiatives worldwide. Finally, while introduced as a means of blocking radicalisation in order to protect Azerbaijan’s national identity as a secular state, Traditional Islam in fact works to extend state control over the religious domain and thus to prevent the development of any religiously grounded dissent against the authoritarian regime. |
| `In' analytical Note | Europe-Asia Studies Vol. 73, No.4; May 2021: p.691-712 |
| Journal Source | Europe-Asia Studies Vol: 73 No 4 |
| Key Words | State ; Azerbaijan ; National Identity ; Government ; Radicalisation ; Traditional Islam ; Protecting Nation |