Vladimir Rozansky notes that Russia benefits from participation in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OWI), which it has joined as an observer since 2005, which guarantees Moscow a favorable approach to Muslims as one of its allies in confronting the West. . He recalls that Vladimir Putin assured last May at KazanForum 2023 that “Russia is open to the widest and most productive trade and humanitarian cooperation with Islamic countries, and also emphasizes the role of Russian Muslims in expanding international contacts to jointly create a multipolar and fairer world order.” .
According to Tamila Tasheva, the Ukrainian president's representative in Crimea, the Islamists are not worried about Russia's occupation of Crimea, despite the historical presence of indigenous Muslim peoples, such as Sunni Tatars and other Turkic groups. Russian propaganda is supported by many Muslim political and religious leaders, notably Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who is shown praying in Arabic while holding a gun.
“Crimea has always been a subject of controversy”
Moreover, the Russian government benefits Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip To appease the Islamic world regarding the invasion of Ukraine. Therefore, support is given to the activities of the most loyal representatives of Islam Moscow in Crimea, who are negotiating joint projects with the Mufti of Istanbul.
In October last year, the 7th Kurultai (Council – Editor's Note) of Crimean Muslims was held in Simferopol, which started the construction of a new large mosque in the city, which is already in an advanced stage of construction. 80 percent of the materials come from Turkey.
The position of the Islamic world on this matter Russia's war in Ukraine It is very ambiguous and many Muslims de facto support Russia.
– Crimea has always been a point of contention between Christians and Muslims, Slavs, Greeks, Tatars and Turks, and Russia is trying to portray the Orthodox and Muslim religions, pitting them against the West on this one key point. Controversy – says Vladimir Rozansky in AsiaNews.
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