Islamset - Photo Gallery: Mosque in Tajikstan

A majority of Tajikistan's inhabitants are ethnic Tajiks, who are predominantly Muslim. Under Soviet rule (1921-1991), religion was severely restricted; mosques were closed and religious practice was prohibited outside of state-sanctioned places of worship. Restrictions were eased somewhat in the mid-1980s, but it was not until Tajikistan became independent in 1991 that Muslims were again able to freely practice their religion.