The Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia (DSMR) has unveiled "Izge Sukmak" (The Sacred Path), a strategic initiative designed to develop Islamic religious and cultural tourism across 34 Russian regions. Albir Krganov, the Mufti of Moscow and head of the DSMR, presented the concept during a meeting of the Government Commission on Religious Associations.
"The 'Izge Sukmak' project establishes a framework for developing new pilgrimage and cultural-educational routes that adhere to Islamic hospitality standards," Mufti Krganov stated, according to the DSMR press service. "Based on this concept, over 20 distinct routes can be mapped out across 34 regions. These will appeal to both domestic travelers and international visitors, a particularly relevant prospect given the significant surge in tourists from Arab countries."
The mufti noted that while formal Islamic religious tourism is a relatively new phenomenon for the country, many Russian federal subjects house "magnificent Muslim shrines and landmarks tied to prominent historical figures." Featured sites in the proposal include: the Ancient Bolgar complex and Kul Sharif Mosque in the Republic of Tatarstan, the "Heart of Chechnya" Mosque in Grozny, the ancient Juma Mosque in Derbent and the Kala-Koreysh settlement in Dagestan.
During the session, Krganov appealed to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, requesting that the Ministry of Economic Development review the proposal and provide federal support for its implementation.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS