CONTEMPORARY EURASIA VOLUME VII (1, 2) Contemporary-Eurasia-3new | Página 76

CONTEMPORARY EURASIA
observe their own traditions, which the Arabs do not have (e.g. memorials
for the dead on the third, seventh and fortieth days). Other experts say
that Islam in Tatarstan is characterized as mystical-contemplative and in-
tellectual. The other expert mentions the traditional Islam can be defi ned
regarding to what extent it is affi liated to Sufi sm. While regarding the Su-
fi sm another expert says that branch has no infl uence in Tatarstan. One
of the experts mentions that traditional Islam must be loyal to the current
political system of the region.
As it is argued, the spiritual Board assures the dominance of tradi-
tional Islamic values in Tatarstan. However, the fundamental part of be-
lievers does not recognize the structure of the Spiritual Board. There are
many disagreements on diff erent issues between traditionalist and those
who share fundamental or radical views. For example, fundamentalists
insist that Muslim women should wear hijab, while traditionalists say
that traditional Tatars cap is enough. Most importantly, the core confl ict
between the traditionalist and the fundamentalists is that the latter blame
the former for being excessively secular. Today, religion in Tatarstan is
controlled by the state. The muftiate is heavily dependent on the state and
allows it to intervene in religious aff airs. Even the Spiritual board can be
called as a de facto ministry of religious aff airs. One of the experts high-
lights that the control of the state for the religious life of society is condi-
tioned by factors of state security and constitutional inviolability.
Nowadays, in Tatarstan, the religiosity of people is rising and Islam-
ic factor is becoming more important. Both political and economic fac-
tors can explain the raising stance of Islamic factor. The elite of Tatarstan
have demonstratively become devout people. Those who were secu-
lar people 10 years ago have become pious Muslims and participate in
all religious holidays. Moreover, the state fi nances the construction of
mosques. That can be explained that the authorities of Tatarstan want oil
rich Arab countries to invest in the economy of Tatarstan, and even the
president of the republic often travels to Arab courtiers and participate in
diff erent economic forums. Also, the authorities of Tatarstan try to play
the role of the pioneer by establishing relations with the Islamic world
and then letting Moscow to develop these relations. In this regard, Islam
plays an important role in international relations, as for Muslim countries,
it is easier to talk with Muslims. While, regarding the role of Islam in ev-
eryday life of Tatarstan, there are two views. Some experts say that Islam
plays an important role in the social life of Tatar Muslims. That is why
many state offi cials fi nance the construction of mosques in order to ap-
peal the people and receive their support. While other experts claim that
Islam has little infl uence on the everyday life of Muslim Tatars. Though
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