In 2020, the Russian Federation will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its accession to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In this regard, the Strategic Vision Group «Russia – Islamic World» is planning to hold a series of various events, meetings, video conferences and photo exhibitions, the first of which is presented to your attention in virtual format and dedicated to the memory of Karim Abdraufovich Khakimov. The photos are provided by the Memorial Museum of Karim Khakimov – a branch of the Bizhbulyak Museum Association (the Republic of Bashkortostan).
Karim Khakimov is a prominent Soviet diplomat nicknamed «Red Pasha». Surprisingly, the diplomat’s great talent was recognized even by his opponents. With his efforts, Soviet Russia was the first to recognize the Saudi Kingdom formed in 1926 and establish diplomatic relations with it. Before working in Arabia, Khakimov managed to work as a Consul General in Mashhad and Rasht (Persia). In fact, this man’s activities laid the foundation for modern relations with the Muslim world as a whole. Communist Khakimov managed to convince the Soviet government that his Hajj was due to the establishment of ties in the host country.
