SOUTHERN
Federal District
"I remember high peaks of mountains, and merry streams of white waters. And the shadow, and the noise, and the red valleys, where the poor families of ordinary Tatars, Among cares and with mutual friendship, live under the hospitable roof."

Alexander Pushkin,
Russian poet
Southern Federal District

Southern Russia is one of the most multinational and multireligious regions in the world, where three of the planet's religions meet: Islam, Christianity and Buddhism.The history of Islam in these lands is extremely rich and interesting. It has to do with both the Adyghe tribes and the Turkic peoples, who helped this region to develop its political and economic ties with the outer world.

It should be noted that the Lower Volga Region was the second of contemporary Russia's regions where Islam became a major religion.


Main information
about the district


Area (km2)

447 821

Population, 2019
16 455 876

Administrative center
Rostov-on-Don

Adyghe Land

The main mosque of Muslims from Adygeya and Krasnodar Krai is situated in Maykop. It was built in 2000 in record-breaking time, i.e. in 18 months.



Where the river turns into the sea

The White Mosque in Astrakhan city. This stone mosque was built instead of wood one in 1810 following the traditions of the late classicism. Its construction was sponsored by David Izmaylov. The first records are dated back to 1777.



Pray time

White Mosque continues to be the main mosque of Astrakhan. The researches state that Tatars have always used the term "white" in the names of main mosques.

Remember Allah

The number of mosques is the barometer of the faith. For example, the Tawba Mosque (Repentance) is the first mosque built in Astrakhan within a hundred-year period since the revolution.

Non-causal causality

The biggest mosque of the Astrakhan region is situated in the old Tatar settlement called Kilinchi. Its construction lasted for 23 years, as long as it took the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to receive the revelation.

Sun lines

Mosque's minaret reaches 27 m in height, while the dome is 17 m in diameter. In fine weather the sunbeams pass through the stained-glass windows, creating some straight lines on the carpets.

250 years of history

2010 was the year of 250th anniversary of the mosque in Malye Chapurniki settlement. The mosque was built without a nail in 1743-1750. Its ceils reach 3.5 m in height, while the width is 7 m. The original roof was made of bark and branches.
In 1945, the roof was destroyed by the wind. Later it was repaired by a local carpenter, Ali Ramazan.

In cities and villages…

Russia is a home for various mosques and ethnic groups. Traveling across the country, especially across the Muslim regions, one may watch many mosques standing along the roads and highways.

Crimean fantasy

The Big Khan's Mosque built in 1532 is the most recognizable landmark of Crimea. It is s located in Bakhchisarai, which means the Garden Palace.

Pure like conscience

The Belogorsk Mosque is one of the most beautiful modern mosques of Crimea. Its walls are decorated with the symbols and patterns of Crimean Tatars, as well as with handmade bolection moldings. The mosque can accommodate more than 500 people

Khan's treasure

The interiors of the Khan Uzbek Mosque built in 1314 by the Golden Horde ruler amaze by their asceticism and elegance. The Golden Horde rulers protected the religion, promoted migration, free trade, and ideas.

At the Black sea

The Juma-Jami Mosque is located in Yevpatoria, Crimea. It was built in 1552. Probably, Hagia Sofia served as the prototype for this mosque. In 2016, Bank of Russia issued a silver coin with a mosque on it dedicated to the architectural monuments of Russia.

Territory of mosques

Padishah Jami Mosque is 800 years old and has a very interesting history. It was built as a mosque but then turned into the Orthodox Greek church, Catholic church, mosque, and then into the Orthodox church once more. In 1837 it was closed due to decay, but later, in 1883 it was opened as the Armenian Catholic church. 40 years later the church was closed by the Soviet authorities and turned into a museum.

Stone cypress

Crimean minarets gorgeously climbing up to the sky are associated with cypress. There is a memorial sign near the Khan's Palace with an inscription made in Russian and Arabic "the Noble Empress Catherine II was pleased to visit Bakhchysarai on May 14, 1787."

Two wisdoms

Islam requires to treat the aged people with respect. Therefore, opinion of the elders is indisputable. Young people always stand up in the presence of the aged.

Adygei cheese

Adygei cheese is made of three types of milk, namely of cow, goat, and sheep milk taken in equal proportions. The milk is then raised quickly to 95 C. The whey has to be introduced with thin the next 15 minutes. Today, Adygei cheese is very popular dish across Russia. However, one can taste original cheese only in mountain villages.

Bon appetite!

Muslim cuisine is very rich and diverse. It includes mainly farinaceous, milk and meat dishes. Some regions host various fests, on which the participants are regaled with the dishes made in accordance with the old recipes.

Young Crimea

Hederlez is a national holiday of Crimea Tatars, dedicate to the day when Khidr and Ilyas prophets (peace be upon them) have met.
At the moment, this is the greatest holiday in Crimea appreciated by young people.

Fire of youth

Caucasian dance is a philosophy with every gesture having its own meaning. Young Caucasians are very passionate about the legacy of their forefathers.

Future of mosques

Tatar proverb says, "Learning at an early age is like engraving on a stone, while learning at old age is like writing on the water." That is why Muslims try to lay the basis for faith from the early childhood.