Tajikistan plans to reopen over 590 closed mosques

AKIPRESS.COM - The religion committee of Tajikistan sent a list of 594 previously closed mosques to President's Office requesting to reopen them, Asia-Plus reports citing sources. The committee, according to sources, received a reply from President's Office with the list of mosques approved for reopening. The decision was made by President due to numerous application from citizens, the statement said.
The list mainly includes mosques in remote districts and villages of the country, which do not have other alternative places for praying. The residents have to go to neighboring villages, which is very difficult, especially for the elderly people, the statement said.
Though it was not immediately known when the mosques will reopen.
1,700 mosques were shut down in Tajikistan in 2017. Over 123 mosques and madrasahs were transferred into hospitals, sewing plants, gyms and libraries in 2018.