Amal Al-Sibai

Saudi Gazette

 

A model for religious and ethnic tolerance, Tatarstan is a federal republic within Russia and is located about 500 kms east of Moscow.



In Tatarstan, Muslims, Christians, and Jews have co-existed harmoniously for centuries. Within this region, on the same street you can find a mosque and a church.



Half the republic’s four million inhabitants are Tatars, an indigenous non-Slavic people, while ethnic Russians account for another 40 percent and small ethnic groups make up the rest.



In 1990 there were about 100 mosques in the entire republic. Today there are over 1,000 mosques in Tatarstan and 272 churches.



Tatarstan’s capital is the city of Kazan, which is one of Russia’s largest and most prosperous cities. In recent years, oil wealth has transformed Kazan into a vibrant, multicultural city.



Russian journalist, Oleg Pavlov, wrote for Open Democracy, “Even in the Soviet era Kazan was regarded as a unique city, a place where two cultures — Tatar and Russian — intermingle at every step. A muezzin’s call to prayer from the minaret is followed by the peal of church bells.”



“Sometimes places of worship — both Muslim and Christian — have been restored by the whole community. The Russian population has helped to erect a mosque for their Muslim fellow villagers while Muslims have helped to restore a local church. In some settlements there is both a mosque and a church. The position of the Tatar Muslim clergy is of no small importance either.



“They are at great pains to emphasize that the names of Christian saints are revered in Islam too. Jesus Christ is the Prophet Isa, Maria the Holy Virgin is called Mariam. The Archbishop of Kazan always makes sure to visit his colleague the Hazrat Imam on the holy festival of Greater Eid.



“In effect, both sides are seeking what unites them rather than what divides them. The authorities proclaim mutual respect between nations, both verbally and by providing real support,” said Pavlov.

 

Currently Tatarstan has one working Russian Islamic University and an Orthodox Seminary.