All mosques in Kyrgyzstan are to be transferred to the balance sheet of the country’s Spiritual Administration of Muslims (Muftiyat) under the new Law on Freedom of Religion and Religious Associations, 24.kg reports, citing the Muftiyat. The process must be completed by February 1, 2027.
According to the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (SAMK), 4,470 mosques currently operate in the country. An inventory of religious sites and a review of their documents are under way across all regions, with preliminary results expected before the end of 2026.
The Muftiyat said many mosques had been built with donations from local residents, private individuals and sponsors, but their documentation was often incomplete.
Some mosques lack land ownership documents, construction permits or commissioning certificates. In other cases, the designated use of the land does not match its actual use, or ownership of the land and buildings has not been properly registered.
The SAMK stressed that the review does not mean mosques will be closed. Its purpose is to bring their documentation into compliance with the law.
Under the new legislation, religious sites must be recorded on the balance sheet of the central governing body of the relevant religious organization. If a mosque or its land is privately owned, the transfer requires the owner’s voluntary consent and must follow the legally established procedure.
Mosque operating costs, including electricity, heating and other utilities, are largely covered by local communities, sponsors and benefactors rather than the state budget or the Muftiyat’s central funds.
What else has changed under the law?
The Law on Freedom of Religion and Religious Associations came into force on February 1, 2025, introducing stricter requirements for religious organizations.
The minimum number of founders required to register a religious organization has increased from 200 to 500 Kyrgyz citizens residing in the same administrative-territorial unit.
Construction of religious sites now requires approval from the authorized state body, while the number of such facilities is regulated by the government. The SAMK also participates in approving the construction of mosques and madrasas and appointing heads of religious sites and educational institutions.
Religious education programs must undergo expert review, and teachers must have relevant qualifications. Individual religious instruction outside registered educational institutions is prohibited, while preachers must register and hold specialized education.
The law also prohibits involving minors in religious activities, spreading religious beliefs through door-to-door visits or leaflet distribution, and campaigning against mandatory vaccination.
All mosques in Kyrgyzstan to be transferred to the Muftiyat’s balance sheet