Afrasianet - Crimean Tatars are an intrinsic component of the inhabitants of Crimea, who enjoy rights and duties on an equal footing with the rest of the region, external attempts to fabricate the so-called "Crimean Tatar issue" about the persecution of this ethnic component do not resonate in the Tatar community itself 

The media affiliated with the West Atlantic did not stop launching campaigns aimed at distorting Russia's image, both in its dealings with Russia and abroad.

The return of Crimea to Russia is often a key ingredient in the allegations against Russia. 

The conference , which was held on the occasion of "15 Years of Partnership between Russia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation", was attended by the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Yusuf Al-Othaimeen, the Permanent Representative of Russia to the OIC, Ramadan Abdullatibov, the Special Representative of the Russian Foreign Minister to the Organizations of Islamic States, Ambassador of Special Missions Konstantin Shuvalov, and others. There is nothing to refute all these allegations.

At the end of June 2005, Russia joined as an observer state during the 32nd Conference of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Sana'a (until 2011, the organization was known as the Organization of the Islamic Conference).

Russia's Permanent Representative to the OIC, Ramadan Abdullatibov, stressed that "joining the largest international organization after the United Nations has become a milestone in the restoration of relations between Russia and the Islamic world," as Russia shares the organization's vision of moderate Islam and the need for interfaith dialogue, and effective work to combat extremism and terrorism. For its part, the OIC is interested in learning about Russia's experience in peaceful coexistence between religions and nationalities. 

The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, also stressed that the OIC pays great attention to cooperation with Russia and hopes to continue the dialogue. "Russia is the most important partner of the OIC and makes a significant contribution to strengthening regional and international security," he said, adding, "We appreciate the legal space for Muslim citizens in Russia, who are able to perform their rituals freely. Islam is an important historical element in Russia's cultural heritage, where 20 million Muslims live. In addition, Russia is adjacent to a number of Muslim countries."

Al-Othaimeen said that the strong relations between Russia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation contribute significantly to the development of the intellectual capabilities of both parties, and help strengthen relations between Russia and the Islamic world, which in recent years have faced some difficulties in the field of terrorism and social and economic turmoil, which have been exacerbated by the Corona pandemic.

The President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, who is also the Chairman  of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, and whose speech was read out on his behalf by the Vice-Chairman  of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, Varet Mukhamychin, stressed that Tatarstan is proud of its contribution to the development of relations between Russia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as Islamic countries are Russia's traditional partner in promoting dialogue between religions and civilizations, while Russia and the Organization cooperate to ensure Regional and international stability and security. 

The Russian Foreign Minister's Special Representative to the Organizations of Islamic States, Ambassador Konstantin Shuvalov, said that the OIC "is not only the largest international organization after the United Nations, but also the only link between countries on the basis of religious and civilized society," stressing that cultural diversity "remains a prerequisite for human development."

Shuvalov also pointed out that Russia's relations with the countries of the Islamic world, for centuries, have been of a historical nature, and in recent years have acquired the characteristics of partnership among civilizations. He stated that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is a political organization that places the solution of the problem of Jerusalem and Palestine at the top of its priorities, while Russia's recognition of the State of Palestine as an independent state provides a solid basis for the development of relations between Russia and the Islamic world as a whole, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in particular.

The Russian diplomat pointed out that the work in this direction by the strategic vision group "Russia-the Islamic World" is a solid platform for the convergence of Russia's position with Islamic countries.

Invitation to Erdogan to meet with a delegation of Crimean Tatar representatives to listen to their views

The head of the Crimean Tatar National Regional Cultural Assembly says Turkish leaders should listen to the voices of the people of the peninsula, and invites Erdogan to meet with a delegation of representatives of the Tatars of the peninsula. 

 The President of the National Regional Cultural Assembly of the Crimean Tatars, Evaz Umarov, invited the Turkish President to meet with a delegation of representatives of the Tatars of the peninsula.

"Turkish leaders should listen to the voices of the people of the peninsula to know their situation instead of just listening to what comes out of Kyiv," Umarov told Russian media. 

The stance comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed support for Ukraine's "Crimean Platform" following talks with his Ukrainian counterpart in Istanbul last month.

According to Erdogan, "Turkeysupports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and its principled position is not to recognize what he described as the annexation of Crimea to Russia."

Erdogan has previously reiterated Ankara's support for the "Crimean Platform" through which Ukraine aims to "unite the international community around the peninsula."

While accusations of persecution of minorities are absent from Ukraine's accusations, the United Nations has warned Ukraine  against the repression of minority languages.

UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Saif Magango said that the agency has consistently warned Ukraine against discriminating against the country's national minorities and their languages. 

"The UN Human Rights Office monitors the situation of national minorities and linguistic rights, including Russian-speaking Ukrainians, and has announced its findings and recommendations in previous public reports, as well as in an analytical summary on the country's language law. We constantly warn against the unequal treatment of minority languages in the public sphere. 

"We are aware of a bill recently registered in the Ukrainian parliament that includes amendments to Ukraine's law 'on education', and we are currently analysing its provisions," he added.

At the end of September, Natalia Pipa, a member of the Ukrainian parliament, introduced a bill banning the use of any language other than Ukrainian in schools in Ukraine, including during breaks.

Foreign Policy: Ukraine violates people's freedoms and persecutes Russian speakers

The newspaper Foreign Policy pointed out that freedom of religion and the press are being violated in Ukraine, and that Russian speakers have been persecuted, whether through attitudes towards language, culture, history or religion. 

In the article, Nikolai Petro, a professor of political science at the University of Rhode Island, stated that Russians in Ukraine are not recognized as the indigenous people of the country or even a minority, and for this reason they cannot rely on the protection of their cultural heritage or language, which is contrary to Article 10 of the Ukrainian Constitution.

Referring to surveys, the political scientist points out that the proportion of Ukrainians who consider Russians and Ukrainians to be one people has recently fallen sharply, but the number of those who observe systematic discrimination against Russian speakers in Ukraine has increased.

In an article in Foreign Policy titled "Ukraine has a problem with civil rights," Petro said that "the tension surrounding minority rights will only worsen after the conflict ends."

The article also notes that since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, religious freedom has allegedly "taken a turn for the worse" for groups linked to Moscow, even symbolically.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, seen in Kiev as an alleged agent of Russian influence, "has received the most serious blow in this persecution."

Political science professor Nikolai Petro saw similar patterns in the issue of press freedom in Ukraine, pointing out that the council, which was created in March, can now study the content of all Ukrainian media before publishing, ban what it considers a "threat to the nation" and issue mandatory directives to the media.

Most of these restrictive laws were proposed long before 2022, but since Russia's military operation, their implementation has been accelerated to spur what nationalists like to call a new "postcolonial" era in Ukrainian history. However, such a shift is likely to be a "long, costly and dangerous process," according to the article.

After the coup in Ukraine, the country's authorities began to fight not only against Soviet history, but also against everything related to Russia and the Russian language, and in 2019, the Ukrainian parliament adopted a law "on ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language."

After the start of the Russian special operation, the situation worsened with the violation of the rights of Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov previously stated that for many years the Ukrainian authorities have followed an aggressive path against Russian-speakers and the policy of forced assimilation, accusing international organizations of ignoring discrimination against national minorities, especially against the Russian people. 

Russia and Islam: Russia is a country of about 17 million Muslims, and the number of Muslims in it is expected to reach about 18,556,000 by 2030. There are indications of this growth in the number of Muslims, mainly because Muslim-populated areas are experiencing high birth rates compared to Russian-populated areas. For example, we see that the highest birth rate in 2024 was in Chechnya, and this is proof that Russia will increase its connection to the Muslim world, not only Because of the increase in the number of Muslims, but also because of the strategy drawn up by the Russian Foreign Ministry, which depends on the orientation towards the East, that is, towards Islamic countries, and these things are important for Russia to face Western pressures.

In the 1990s, Russia was far from heading eastward, as there was a clear strategy from the administration of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin to make Russia turn westward, turning into a country with a supportive orientation toward European policies. Even under Vladimir Putin, for a while, we saw this policy. But since 2014, this policy has gradually changed, and until 2022, Russian policy has completely changed, turning into a hostile policy against the West, due to the West's hostility towards Russia regarding the Ukrainian file, which is fundamentally linked to the current policies of the Russian president, who has begun to change the features of Russia.

Putin's policy clearly paints a new picture of Russia, which is that the West has abandoned and failed Russia, so the right path is to turn to the East and not the West. Strategically, it can be said that Russia will benefit from this trend in the coming years, especially in the economic file, which is one of the most important files that Islamic countries have, such as the oil and gas file, and even trade.

The orientation towards the East also strengthens cultural and religious cooperation with the Muslim world, which can lead to the strengthening of political and economic relations. In addition, Russia seeks to strengthen its position in international organizations that include Muslim countries, which can contribute to achieving a balance in the face of Western pressures. In short, it can be said that Russia sees the Islamic world as a strategic partner that can help it achieve its future goals at various levels.

To date, there is no political party or political current in which Muslims in Russia are clearly represented, with the exception of republics such as Chechnya and Tatarstan, which have been the most important link between Russia and the Muslim world in the past few years.

Tatarstan, in particular, plays an important role in promoting cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world. This republic enjoys strong economic and cultural ties with many Muslim countries. For example, Tatarstan periodically hosts Islamic economic events and forums, such as the "Kazan Summit," which brings together business leaders and investors from Islamic countries and Russia to promote economic and trade cooperation.

Tatarstan uses its soft power to strengthen cultural and educational relations with Islamic countries. Its universities receive many students from Islamic countries, which contributes to the promotion of cultural and intellectual exchange. The Tatarstan government also organizes cultural and religious events that bring together Muslims from all over the world, such as the International Islamic Conference, which is held annually in Kazan.

In addition, Tatarstan plays a key role in Russia's Islamic economic cooperation initiatives. For example, Tatarstan was one of the first Russian regions to adopt the Islamic finance system, attracting investments from the Gulf and other Muslim countries. Its companies are also developing Shariah-compliant products and services, such as banking.

This cooperation also extends to the political and diplomatic fields. In 2022, Tatarstan signed several cooperation agreements with Islamic countries, including in the fields of energy, technology, and education. These agreements strengthen Russia's position on the international scene and support its orientation towards strengthening relations with the Islamic world.

Cooperation between Chechnya and the Islamic world. Ramadan Kadyrov's role

The Republic of Chechnya is one of the most important regions in Russia that plays a pivotal role in strengthening relations with the Muslim world. Under the leadership of President Ramadan Kadyrov, Chechnya has succeeded in building strong bridges with many Muslim countries, reflecting a strategic shift in Russian foreign policy towards strengthening cooperation with the Muslim world. Here we will review Kadyrov's role in this context, the main countries participating in this cooperation, the important files that have been agreed upon, and the reasons for choosing Chechnya as a strategic ally.

The role of President Ramadan Kadyrov

President Ramadan Kadyrov, who has been president of Chechnya since 2007, has a strong personality that has made him a central figure in strengthening relations between Chechnya and Muslim countries. Kadyrov, who is known for his deep loyalty to Islam and the promotion of Islamic identity in Chechnya, used his position to build diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations with many Muslim countries, visited many Muslim countries, and met with their leaders, which strengthened Chechnya's position as a bridge between Russia and the Muslim world.

Key Files of Cooperation

Cooperation agreements between Chechnya and Islamic countries cover a wide range of fields, most notably:

•    Education: Chechnya receives many students from Muslim countries to study in its universities and religious institutes. Chechen students are also sent to study in Muslim countries, which promotes cultural and intellectual exchange.

•    Culture and religion: Chechnya organizes many cultural and religious events that bring together Muslims from all over the world, the most prominent of which is the International Islamic Conference, which is held annually in Kazan.

•    Economy: Many economic cooperation agreements have been signed, including joint investments in infrastructure, energy, and trade. Cooperation in the field of religious tourism is also being strengthened.

•    Security: Chechnya plays an important role in cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism. Chechnya shares with Islamic countries the exchange of information and expertise in this field, which enhances security and stability in the region.

Why Chechnya?

Chechnya is an important partner for Islamic countries for several reasons, including:

•    Islamic identity: Chechnya has a long and deep history of Islam, making it a natural attraction for Muslim countries seeking to strengthen ties with Muslim regions in Russia.

•    Strong leadership: Under Kadyrov's leadership, Chechnya has demonstrated the ability to implement effective cooperative projects, boosting the confidence of partner countries in cooperating with it.

•    Strategic location: Chechnya is located in a strategic area between Russia and the Islamic world, making it a natural bridge for cooperation between the two sides.

Transformations of Russia's relations with the Muslim world. Multidimensional interactions

Although the traditional focus in the multispectral system of Russia's foreign relations with the countries of the Islamic world has been on bilateral relations, these relations have witnessed remarkable developments since Russia's accession as an observer state to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2005. This accession has allowed the Islamic world to become an entity that interacts independently with Moscow, which has contributed to deepening mutual ties and expanding the scope of Russian participation in the Muslim world's agenda. The growing influence and influence of the Russian Muslim Ummah has accelerated in the social, political and economic life of this process of convergence.

History and Cultural Influence

The deep historical dimension of relations between Russia and the Islamic world, which stretches back to 991 AD, when the "Almighty God" Caliph Al-Baghdadi  responded to the call of the ruler of the "Volga Bulgars", who wished to embrace Islam as the official religion of his state, and the embassy led by Ahmed bin Fadlan was pivotal, and it was not just a historical event, but turned into a symbol of cultural and religious interaction between the two worlds.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

Russia's new directions are in line with a comprehensive vision to promote a democratic and just world order, which requires increased cooperation and common understanding between Russia and the Islamic world. These relations are pivotal to supporting regional and global security, and the development of a rich cultural heritage, which contributes to the promotion of dialogue among civilizations and religions.

The "Russia-Islamic World" Economic Forum. Recommendations and strategic agreements that pave the way for multiple investment projects 

The fifteenth edition of the Kazan International Economic Forum "Russia-Islamic World" witnessed the holding of more than 150 working sessions, and the events concluded with strategic recommendations aimed at advancing cooperation and consolidating bilateral ties. The forum was distinguished by the signing of many partnership agreements aimed at embodying promising structural projects.

Establishment of the International Authority for Regional Development

During the forum, the importance of establishing an international body for regional development that includes Islamic countries and Russia, which is concerned with the fields of construction and urban planning, land use, and the establishment of real estate projects and new cities, aims to stimulate the exchange of technology and expertise, in addition to benefiting from the joint workforce.

Initiatives and Projects

The Kazan Forum 2024 was the scene for the launch of several initiatives concerned with the development of relations between Russia and Islamic countries, especially in the fields of infrastructure, logistics, and financial fields, in addition to the fields of tourism, technology, higher education, media, culture, and sports.

Development of the North-South Transport Corridor

During the forum, the North-South Transport Corridor project, which aims to facilitate the transport of goods from Russia and Central Asia to the Gulf countries and Southeast Asia, was discussed. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khosnolin confirmed the progress made in the implementation of this project, with the signing of important agreements to expand the railway network to the ports of the Arabian Gulf.

Future Vision and Renewed Cooperation

The forum concluded that multidimensional cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world opens new horizons for economic and social development, stressing the need for investments in infrastructure and logistics, and that directing major investments and effective cooperation between the two parties represents an important step towards promoting sustainable development and economic participation at a global level.

The forum also stressed the need to remove trade barriers and establish a preferential trade system between Russia and the participating countries, which is considered a progress in facilitating trade and economic exchange. It is worth noting that the Islamic banking system in Russia has also evolved, with the universalization of Islamic banking services that were once limited to some regions, such as Tatarstan, Chechnya, and Dagestan, which opens the way for more economic and financial cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries.

Conclusions 

In the future horizon of relations between Russia and the Islamic world, we see a trend towards deepening strategic cooperation that extends across various fields, from economy and trade to culture and technology. The bridges being built today not only strengthen bilateral ties, but also open new horizons for regional alliances that could change the contours of international politics.

Recent initiatives such as the Russia-Islamic World Economic Forum and Russia's active role in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) indicate Moscow's willingness to invest its resources and capabilities in establishing a sustainable partnership with Islamic countries. This partnership aims not only to achieve economic benefits, but also to create a strong basis for cultural and civilizational dialogue.

These developments are a glimmer of hope for a future of more effective East-West cooperation, where Russia can be the bridge connecting Europe to the Middle East and beyond. By fostering mutual understanding and exchanging experiences and technology, the two sides can overcome common challenges, such as regional security, sustainable development, and digital transformation.

The rapprochement between Russia and the Islamic world is expected to contribute to strengthening global stability and opening new doors for progress in an era characterized by rapid changes and complex challenges. With the expansion of economic ties and the deepening of cultural and scientific dialogue, the features of a future that promises many opportunities for both Russia and Islamic countries to achieve mutual development and shared prosperity are formed.