The Role of Islam in the Convergence of Iran and Central Asian Countries

Convergence with neighboring countries is one of the ways of gaining and enhancing power for every country; therefore, identifying the contexts and factors of convergence and its challenges is one of the necessities of the foreign policy of every country. Central Asia is one of the most important neighboring areas for Iran which historical and cultural ties and regional common interest have multiplied the importance of Iran's convergence to the countries in this region. The main question of the present research is that how and to what extent the religion of Islam can be a factor in the convergence of Iran and Central Asian countries? In the present paper, using descriptive-analytical method and through library sources and interview, the mentioned question is analyzed. The findings show that Islam, beyond common theories of convergence and as the greatest factor in connecting Muslims, can result in the closeness and interaction between Iran and Central Asian countries. To do so, enhancing religious knowledge of the people who live in Central Asia region, paying attention to factors of Islamic unity, considering Sufi inclinations of people and cultural activities like showing films, theatre, poems, and developing common radio and television networks for propagating Islam are highly important and essential.