Russian Muslims are hopeful that the Mosque of the Defenders of the Fatherland will be erected in Patriot Park near Moscow by 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia and the Religious Board of Muslims (DUM) of the Russian Federation told TASS.
"We would like to see the mosque completed in the year commemorating the Great Victory. Although finishing construction by May 9, 2025, may be unrealistic, we believe that the jubilee year until December still holds promise," stated the mufti.
Gainutdin disclosed that a "conceptual project" for the mosque had been prepared and discussed with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, and other stakeholders before detailed design commenced. He expressed satisfaction with the proposed solution, which aligns with the architect's vision and the defense ministry's concept. The foundation stone for the mosque has already been laid in the designated area of Patriot Park.
Architect Dmitry Smirnov, renowned for designing the main temple of the Russian Armed Forces in Patriot Park, is also the author of the mosque project. Gainutdin emphasized the symbolic significance of the mosque, planned as a tribute to the defenders of the Fatherland, situated at the other end of the park's alley.
"The key aspect is that our country acknowledges our army's multinational composition. Our servicemen, despite representing diverse nations, religions, and cultures, are all Russian people, defending our homeland. We are confident that, alongside our president, we will witness the realization of our Mosque of the Defenders of the Fatherland," the spiritual leader concluded.
Temple and mosque in Patriot Park
The discussion surrounding the mosque's construction gained momentum during Gainutdin's conversation with President Vladimir Putin on November 4, 2023, following the ceremony commemorating the Day of National Unity. Putin endorsed the initiative, emphasizing the camaraderie among soldiers.
The completion and consecration of the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Patriot Park on May 9, 2020, marked a significant milestone in honoring Russia's military history. Gainutdin's proposal to build temples of various traditional confessions in the park further underscores the commitment to inclusivity and commemoration of Russia's diverse heritage.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Ian Taylor/Unsplash
Based on materials from TASS