Qualitative interview analysis reveals that religious conversion to Islam transforms personal identity in non-Muslim nationalities, highlighting enhanced social cohesion in post-Soviet Kazakhstan.
This study investigates the phenomenon of religious conversion among non-Muslim nationalities in Kazakhstan following the collapse of the Soviet government and the resurgence of interest in Islam. Through sociologically in-depth interviews, the research reveals that low religious awareness, marriage to a Muslim, social influence, and the presence of a local Muslim community are pivotal factors driving this conversion process. Moreover, the study highlights the broader societal context, including post-Soviet spiritual quests and the quest for meaning, as contributing to the growing interest in religion. As a result of religious conversion, individuals from various backgrounds experience a profound transformation of their personal identity, transitioning from a Christian to a Muslim identity. This transformation fosters closer relations with the Muslim majority in Kazakhstan, promoting social cohesion and unity in a society where Islam has a significant presence.
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Zhaksybayeva et al. (2024) studied this question.
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