Kazakh Blogger Detained for Calling to Boycott Nauryz Holiday

Authorities in Kazakhstan's Almaty region have detained a blogger and opened a criminal case against him after he published a video calling on people not to celebrate the Nauryz holiday. The man, identified only as a citizen born in 1991, was placed in a temporary detention facility.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that during social media monitoring on March 23, a video was identified on TikTok containing public statements of a religious and ethno-cultural nature concerning the Nauryz celebration. Following operational measures, the individual was located, detained, and taken into custody.

A criminal case has been initiated under Article 174 of the Criminal Code for inciting religious discord. The second part of this article, which applies when the act is committed by a public opinion leader, carries a penalty of five to ten years' imprisonment. Investigative actions are currently underway.

The controversial video claimed that Nauryz is "not Kazakh and not Muslim," suggesting it originates from Persian (Zoroastrian) tradition. The blogger argued that only Eid al-Fitr (Oraza Ait) and Eid al-Adha (Kurban Ait) were permissible for Muslims in Kazakhstan to celebrate. The video sparked widespread criticism online before being deleted.

Experts note that such statements touch upon sensitive issues regarding the holiday's origins and its permissibility from certain religious viewpoints. While Nauryz has ancient roots linked to the spring equinox and is celebrated across Central Asia, in Kazakhstan it is widely regarded as a cultural and national holiday without formal religious status.

Political scientist Sultan Akimbekov explained that such rejections often stem from stricter religious interpretations within Islam that view later-adopted practices as impermissible innovations. He described an internal conflict between traditional Hanafi Islam in Kazakhstan, which has historically adapted local customs, and proponents of more rigid approaches who may reject traditions like Nauryz.

Religious scholars in Kazakhstan have previously stated that celebrating Nauryz does not contradict Islamic law (Sharia). They emphasize it is considered a cultural tradition rather than a religious rite, with the two canonical Islamic holidays being distinct. Experts warn that radical interpretations targeting national traditions pose a risk to cultural identity.

The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding cultural heritage and religious interpretation in the region. In Afghanistan, public celebrations of Nowruz were effectively banned after the Taliban's return to power, illustrating how such debates can have severe consequences elsewhere.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has consistently emphasized Nauryz as an important part of national tradition and a unifying holiday for all citizens. He has also repeatedly spoken against radicalism and any attempts to sow discord within society.