Chief Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin visited the historical and archeological park and museum and temple complex ‘New Chersonese’ in the city of Sevastopol. He familiarised himself with the cultural and educational activities of the grandiose project aimed at educating and strengthening the historical memory and spiritual and moral values of our compatriots. In the Museum of Crimea and Novorossiya Mufti Ravil Gainutdin studied with special interest the exposition and interactive materials in the hall dedicated to the Crimean Khanate.


Mufti Ravil Gaynutdin's visit to the New Chersonese on 16 January was made possible thanks to the assistance of the Head of the Republic of Crimea Sergey Aksenov and the Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev. On behalf of Metropolitan Tikhon of Simferopol and Crimea, the tour of the complex was conducted by Deacon Anthony Kamaldinov. Public figure Zaur Smirnov accompanied the Head of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation.

During the visit, the spiritual leader of Russian Muslims stressed the importance of Crimea in the light of civilisational and state formation of our country. This is also evidenced by the words of the Head of State Vladimir Putin, who said to the New Chersonese project: ‘We always, especially in this period of our development, our history, we need success, we need victory. And victory cannot happen without a solid foundation, a moral, ethical and spiritual basis. And this foundation is created by our history, our traditions and pride for what our ancestors did to strengthen our fatherland.

Two days earlier, President Putin held a meeting on the socio-economic development of Crimea and Sevastopol, during which the Russian leader emphasised the importance of preserving and further improving historical and cultural monuments, which the ancient land of Crimea is rich in. ‘A vivid example of such work is the unique museum-reserve, historical and archaeological park ‘Chersonesos Tavrichesky’. Another spiritual and educational centre of Crimea is the Cathedral Mosque in Simferopol, the construction of which has also been completed,’ the head of state said. At the suggestion of Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, President Putin extended the state programme for the development of Crimea and Sevastopol until 2030.

Press service of the RBM of the Russian Federation