Adherence to radical Islamic movements is a way back to the Medieval times: President Nazarbayev

Adherence to radical Islamic movements is a way back to the Medieval times, President Nazarbayev stated today when speaking at a solemn meeting to celebrate the 21th anniversary of the nation’s independence. “One of the issues of concern for Kazakhstan’s people is religious situations. We, the Kazakhs, are definitely Muslims, including Sunnis of Khanafi school (…) This path chosen by our ancestors respects national traditions. We should keep away from movements that are alien to our mentality”, President said. “Our ancestors never made girls and women cover their faces. When sticking to Islam canons, the modern generation should pay homage to our national traditions. Some forces are recruiting young Kazakhs, offering them to veer away from the right path of Islam into false teachings. Should we listen to these trying to convert the young, we will find ourselves not only making girls and women cover their faces but also eating separately. Women will not be able to drive cars or move freely (…) they will be unable to pursue education. I am leading the young into the 22nd century, whereas these teachings are dragging us back into Medieval times”, Head of State said.