Kazakhstan's First Islamic TV Launched With Ramadan

ALMATY -- Kazakhstan has launched its first-ever Islamic television channel on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.

"Asyl Arna" (Sacred Channel) is available in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty.

The new channel's director, Mukhamedzhan Tazabekov, told journalists that the channel's signal would be also available in Astana, Atyrau, and Aqtau in the nearest future.

The 24-7 channel broadcasts programs about Islam, readings and interpretation of the Holy Koran, educational Islamic classes, movies, and cartoons.