First Mosque Opened in Luhansk

LUHANSK — On May 29, 2010, the first mosque in the eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk was officially opened. It was built in two years. Approximately 1,000 people attended the ceremony, including representatives of the Luhansk Regional State Administration and the deputy mayor Zaz Zukhbai.

Ostrov news reports that according to unofficial information, 20-25 thousand Muslims live in the region. Due to the large number of the guests, the celebration lasted for several days. On the first day alone, 800 kilos of pilaf were cooked.

The believers began to pray here long before the opening.  According to the head of the local religious organization Salam, Seifula Rashidov, about 500 people attend prayer each Friday.

The main sponsor of the construction was the Muslim community of Kuwait.

It is the eighth mosque in the Luhansk region.