Crimean Mufti Proposes to Build Mosque Near Church to Promote Dialogue Between Orthodox and Muslims

Last week, the Mufti of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Crimea Emirali Ablaev met with the Mayor of Sudak Volodymyr Serov. During the meeting they discussed the reconstruction of Muslim places of worship, as well as the allocation of land for the construction of a mosque in Sudak, Religion in Ukraine reports, with reference to Іslam.in.ua.

In particular, the mufti of the SBMC proposed to allocate land near the Orthodox church for the construction of the mosque. Volodymyr Serov promised to satisfy the request of the Muslims if it will be possible, because, according to Emirali Ablaeva, the proximity of the places of worship of two faiths will promote dialogue and rapprochement between Orthodox Christians and Muslims.

The mayor assured that a place for the mosque will find, if not next near the church then in another location that will also be satisfy the Muslim community.

The parties agreed to continue a dialogue on the issue of building a mosque and other matters relating to the Muslim community in Sudak, exchanged gifts, and visited a Crimean Tatar language school.