Dushanbe(30/1 – 37.50). That moment really paints a vivid picture of the tension these practitioners are facing. The turbaned woman, who opens the door just a crack to let out the incense, symbolizes the secrecy and caution that people involved in practices like fortune telling or witchcraft must now adopt. Incense, often used in spiritual practices, also emphasizes the mystical atmosphere around her work.
It highlights not only the fear of legal consequences but also the personal risk she faces in a society where these practices are being cracked down on. Caught between traditional Islamic belief and Tajik culture the very act of opening the door “a chink” speaks to how much these practitioners are trying to keep their work under the radar, distancing themselves from potential raids or punishment.
Tajikistan’s recent crackdown on practices like fortune telling, witchcraft, and divination has sparked a lot of attention, especially since these practices are deeply embedded in the region’s pre-Islamic traditions.
The government’s campaign appears to be part of a broader effort to control both radical Islam and older, ancestral beliefs, while also maintaining authority in a country that has faced significant social and economic challenges since its independence.
It’s interesting how individuals like Adalat have adapted to the crackdown by taking their services underground, offering consultations outside of their homes to avoid detection. A spell against bad luck or wishing the jinni away is the most common requests.
The appeal of such practices seems to be linked to the challenges many faces, including poverty, a lack of access to healthcare, and the rise of social inequality. In a country with limited access to public services, people may turn to alternative sources of support like fortune tellers or healers.
The issue seems to reflect a deep tension between maintaining traditional beliefs and the government’s desire to enforce a strict, state-controlled interpretation of Islam, which forbids such animalistic practices.
