Bishkek, Sept. 29, 2026. /Kabar/. Early marriages are one of the most pressing problems in modern society, Zhunusaly Myrzaliev, press secretary of the National Agency for Religious Affairs and Interethnic Relationsof Kyrgyzstan told Kabar.
According to him, statistics from recent years show an increase in the number of early marriages. Special journals have been introduced to record and register such cases.
"If we look at this issue from a religious perspective, then performing the Nikah ceremony is the responsibility of religious clergy. As a result of work carried out in recent years jointly with the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan, special journals have been introduced in each mosque. They specify the age of the newlyweds. If they are under 18, the imam does not perform the nikah ceremony. In general, we also recommend that young people first obtain an official document from the civil registry office and then enter into a religious marriage," he emphasized.
He also added that if religious officials are found to be marrying minors, the Criminal Code provides for appropriate penalties.
