Why Does a Secular State Use Religion for Nation Branding? The Dilemma of Islamic Identity in Post-Soviet Kazakhstan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24252/profetik.v14i2a1Keywords:
Nation Branding, Islamic Identity, Mosque Architecture, Kazakhstan, SecularismAbstract
This study analyzes why Kazakhstan, as a secular country, uses monumental mosque architecture as a strategic instrument for building its post-Soviet nation brand. The architecture integrates Islamic elements with Kazakh cultural values and monumental symbolism. This strategy is further supported by various Islamic activities at the international level. This is done by constructing an Islamic identity in the midst of politically dominant secular forces. This is an interesting dilemma to examine considering that secularism does not fundamentally make religion the legitimacy of power. The research uses an explanatory qualitative approach through field observation and semi-structured interviews at the Hazrat Sultan Mosque, Abu Nasr al-Farabi Mosque, and Astana Grand Mosque. The analysis was carried out using the perspectives of nation branding and soft power. The results of the study show that the mosque's architecture serves as a symbolic infrastructure that connects Islamic heritage, Kazakh national identity, and Kazakhstan's international image as a secular country with a moderate Muslim majority. This strategy allows the state to maintain the principles of constitutional secularism while utilizing religious symbols to strengthen domestic legitimacy and enhance its global reputation.
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