Islam is on the rise among Turkmenistan’s young and the government has been responding with more Soviet-style oppression. But how long can this situation last? neweurasia’s Annasoltan interviews Forum 18′s John Kinahan for his perspective.

Islam is on the rise among Turkmenistan’s young, and according to neweurasia’s Annasoltan, the government is taking no chances. The authorities appear to have diagnosed education as one of the root causes, and they are intent upon eliminating it, even if they must dismantle the rising generation’s academic aspirations to do so.

Turkmen Islam has long been renowned as a private and not particularly fervent affair. However, the situation is rapidly changing, particularly among Turkmenistan’s young. neweurasia’s Annasoltan tries to sew together the picture about what’s really going on, beginning with the “warp”, namely, problem of authority and the combination of traditional laxity and modern totalitarianism.

Turkmen Islam has long been renowned as a private and not particularly fervent affair. However, the situation is rapidly changing, particularly among Turkmenistan’s young. neweurasia’s Annasoltan goes on a journey, exploring the reasons behind — and challenges to — the müezzin’s siren song.