Kyrgyz Government Involvement - Islam in Central Asia (sitios de interés)
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""The Westernized and secular Kyrgyz élite understand little about Islam, but have felt obliged to promote the faith as part of the Kyrgyz heritage and have therefore appropriated Islamic symbols while preventing the manifestation of political Islam. Religious freedom and the secular nature of the state were proclaimed, and Islam has been utilised in a deliberate manner to promote Kyrgyz identity and legitimize authority. Islam is employed by the state as a political tool to boost national credentials and is hijacked, where appropriate, to buttress new state ideology.
"[Kyrgyz President Askar] Akaev suggested that the new Kyrgyzstan should reflect the moral values of Islam, took his presidential oath of office on the Koran and made two traditional Islamic feasts national holidays. The Kyrgyz government has subsequently cultivated Islamic symbols, notably in supporting the construction of mosques and madra'sas and the refurbishment of holy places.However, Akaev has been less keen than other Central Asian leaders to cloak himself in Islam, except when it might produce economic gain. The superficial acceptance of Islam and its cynical use by Kyrgyz leaders was illustrated when the President joked he would perform the haj if it resulted in financial aid."
(Source: Everett-Heath, Tom. Central Asia. Pg. 122)