Uzbekistan: Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) June 25

Event

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began on May 27, will come to an end at sundown on Sunday, June 25. During this time, operations in Uzbekistan may come to a virtual standstill as Muslims gather to pray and celebrate with family and friends. While practices vary by area, Eid al-Fitr celebrations are likely to have an impact on many businesses, stock exchanges, and services (including administrative services) that will close or significantly reduce their hours of operation on Sunday evening and potentially into Monday. As this period is typically marked by increased travel, heavy road traffic after sundown along with other transportation disruptions (crowded airports, etc.) is to be anticipated.

Context

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the conclusion of 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting and remains one of the most important dates on the Muslim calendar. Generally speaking, the month of Ramadan is historically marred by a significant increase in terrorist threats and as such there is a potential for attacks to be carried out during Eid celebrations.

Freedom of religion is severely restricted and religious practice is subject to government control and strict regulations. In 2016, Uzbek authorities banned holding shared iftar meals (breaking of fast) in public during Ramadan, restricted the dissemination of religious literature, and banned people under 18 years old from attending mosques. Nearly 96 percent of the population is Muslim.

Advice

Individuals in Uzbekistan are advised to allow for additional travel time, to remain vigilant, and to avoid large public gatherings.

Some Western governments advise against travel to Uzbekistan's eastern borders, including zones neighboring Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan. Violence along the border is possible and landmines are present in certain areas, particularly rural regions.