Good afternoon. I’m planning to come to Tajikistan and wanted to ask whether there will be any problems because of the hijab if I’m Russian and, accordingly, a citizen of Russia? Will they force me to take off the hijab? Will there be a fine? Or even worse — could they put me in jail?
I was there in 2025, no one said anything about the hijab. But in general, it is forbidden in Tajikistan to walk around with your face covered. They even make men shave their beards.
No, my face is not covered, only a hijab. I know that since 2024 Tajikistan has banned wearing the hijab by a separate law. I’m asking, as a foreign citizen visiting the country, does this law apply to foreigners as well?
Wa alaikum assalam, as I was told, citizens of Russia and other foreigners are not bothered and no one says anything to them. I have also been to Tajikistan twice and wore a hijab. But Tajik women may be forced to take it off, whereas foreigners are not. The complaints are mainly, it seems, about the neck being covered by the hijab. They said they might ask you to wear the scarf “as is customary in RT,” and that option does not cover the neck. Officially, what is allowed and even recommended is traditional Tajik national clothing, including a headscarf — meaning they do not forbid covering the head, they forbid doing it in an Arab/Middle Eastern style. As one girl from Dushanbe told me, cover your head “the Tajik way” — and you are not an offender, but a keeper of national traditions.
Am I right in understanding that Tajikistan is a Muslim country? Why has it become so strict with hijabs and beards?
You are right in understanding that Tajikistan is a Muslim country. The population professes Islam, mosques are open, people are accustomed to religious traditions from childhood, Islam influences everyday life, culture, and holidays.
But Tajikistan is not an Islamic state.
According to the Constitution, Tajikistan is a secular state, and it is precisely this constitutional norm that underlies the policy which looks like harsh measures regarding hijabs and beards, which are considered signs of political Islam and extremism, in favor of traditional national Islam.
Therefore, it is not about banning religion, but about combating radicalism and preserving national culture, which, in their opinion, has been subjected to Arab influence.
@koval Thank you, you explained it very well. I treat other religions with respect. I think I won’t have any problems in Tajikistan either with visiting mosques or with people.
Of course, you will not have any problems. Tajikistan is a country with very hospitable and kind people. I have many acquaintances from Tajikistan. The fact that you treat faith and culture with respect is always appreciated. Good luck to you and have an easy, interesting journey when you set off
The only thing regarding visiting mosques — this is not an instruction, just for your information )
I have been to many countries and visited many mosques. I can say one thing: for a Russian woman, when visiting a mosque there are no formal prohibitions, but there are specifics that are important to know.
From my own experience: A long, closed, loose dress is mandatory, and of course a scarf, which you will need to put on at the entrance. Take photos carefully: without flash, only architecture, not people — especially those praying. You cannot talk loudly, laugh, or use your phone. You cannot enter the men’s prayer area (as a rule, it is clearly marked). In most mosques there is no separate entrance for women, so you may be politely asked not to linger in the hall where men are praying — do not insist and do not be offended. Be prepared that the guard may be strict. This is not rudeness — it is instructions. You must not argue with security; if they say you cannot, it means you cannot. You may enter, photograph the interiors, look at the unique architecture, and even go up to the women’s gallery, if there is one.
❌ To stand in a common row with men or join the collective namaz — is not allowed, this is a violation.
There are mosques where a women’s hall is specially equipped. Women are allowed there for Friday prayer (only Muslim women). But this is not a tourist route ☝🏻
Plan your visit strictly on a weekday, in the first half of the day. In many mosques there is a special regime for non-Muslims:
Women are admitted only from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 17:00. On Friday the entrance is closed for all non-Muslims. Outside these hours you may not be allowed in even if you fully comply with all the rules.
That’s all) I hope this was interesting and useful for you))))))) 🙏🏻
In the Central Mosque (Dushanbe), there are robes with hoods if your clothing is not suitable for visiting. The guard will tell you where they are hanging (there is a wardrobe on the right inside). They let me in after the evening prayer, around 6–7 pm, it was Friday, and I am not Muslim. It’s very beautiful there, the mosque looks as if it were painted 💝💝💝