History of religious policy of the Soviet power in South Kazakhstan in the 40-80s of the twentieth century

In the article the object of study was the religious policy of the Soviet power, carried out in Kazakhstan, par-ticularly in the south of the country in the 40–80 years of the twentieth century. In Kazakhstan in these years there is a tightening of anti-religious policy and intensification of anti-religious struggle. In this connection, the article focuses on the legislative basis of the religious policy of the Soviet state, forms and methods of an-ti-religious struggle, considers the religious situation and the role of Islam in the daily life of South Kazakh-stan. The authors analyze the most important direction of the state policy connected with the cessation of pil-grimage to Muslim “holy places”, bringing pilgrims and organizers of pilgrimage to responsibility, activation of scientific and atheistic work in the relevant context, refurbishment of “holy places” for economic needs, etc. The authors conclude that, despite the opposition of state authorities, the proportion of believers in the period under consideration in southern Kazakhstan was significant, the harsh course of the Soviet authorities in relation to Islam did not prevent the inhabitants of South Kazakhstan to adhere to their religious principles and national cultural values.