Rustam Minnikhanov at an opening of Layli-Djamal Mosque in Ulyanovsk: Here we all together both Muslims and our Orthodox brothers, this is extremely important for our multi-national country

On 4 June during his working trip to Ulyanovsk the Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov accompanied by the Governor of Ulyanovsk region Aleksey Russkikh took part in a ceremony of opening Layli-Djamal Mosque which was commissioned on 28 December 2023.

Currently it is the largest mosque in Ulyanovsk and can house the congregation of 1000 people. In the future it is planned to build a Muslim complex, comprising a madrasa, the Quran studies center, a Halal café and a Muslim marriage center at the adjacent area.

The initiator and the ordering customer of the mosque construction was the Director General of the West Investments-Developing Company Nail Alimov, with Ulyanovsk commercial organizations, benefactors and local residents also having taken part in the process.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rustam Minnikhanov said: “Today is the great fest not only for Muslims of Ulyanovsk but also for our Orthodox brothers, who are here with us. This is extremely important for our multi-national country. We live together in our country, flourish and fight for interests of our Fatherland. And of course we should be together at such a day. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who supported the construction and special words of thanks to the Governor of Ulyanovsk region Aleksey Russkikh and his team. I think that such support will facilitate unification of all people living in Ulyanovsk region and your neighbours – Tatarstan are always by your side!”

In his turn Aleksey Russkikh said that “from now on this sacred place will become the center of spirituality, education and communication of the congregation.” “The mosque personifies the spiritual and moral development and strengthening of traditional Russian values which teach mercy, compassion and justice,” he said.

After the Chairman of the Russian Muslims Religious Board in Ulyanovsk region Ildar Safiullin welcomed participants of the opening ceremony, Rustam Minnikhanov and Aleksey Russkikh handed in awards of Tatarstan and Ulyanovsk region to those who took the most outstanding part in the mosque construction.