The Population and Proportion of Muslims in Russia: A Comprehensive Guide
Islam plays a significant role in the religious landscape of Russia. This comprehensive guide delves into the population and proportion of Muslims in Russia, highlighting statistics, beliefs, and cultural nuances.
Introduction to Islam in Russia
Islam is the second most widely professed religion in Russia. It is recognized as one of Russia’s traditional religions and legally part of the country's historical heritage. The Russian government supports Islam under the leadership of Vladimir Putin.
Population Statistics
There are varying statistics for the Muslim population in Russia due to differences in data collection methods and sources. However, several surveys and studies provide valuable insights.
Recent Surveys
According to a poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center conducted in June 2007, approximately 6% of the respondents considered themselves Muslims. The Arena Atlas survey from the same year found that about 6.5 million, or 6.5%, of the population were Muslims. A Pew Research Center survey in May 2017 reported that about 10% of Russia's population is Muslim. These differing figures highlight the complexity of census data collection in such a diverse country.
A Russia Today article notes that Muslim minorities make up approximately 15% of the total population of Russia. This proportion is notably higher in specific regions.
Regional Breakdown
Muslims form a significant part of the population in several Russian republics and regions. This section provides a regional overview of the Muslim population.
Volga Federal District
In the Volga Federal District, which includes regions such as Bashkortostan and Tatarstan, Muslims make up a plurality of the population in these republics. The prominence of Islam is further evident among the nationalities in the North Caucasian Federal District, which is located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Notable groups include Circassians, Balkars, Chechens, Ingush, Kabardin, Karachay, and numerous Dagestani peoples.
Middle Volga Basin
The middle Volga Basin also witnesses a significant Muslim presence. The majority of the population in this region, including Bulgars and Bashkirs, practice Islam. This region's history and cultural identity are deeply intertwined with Islam.
Notable Cities and Regions
Other regions with notable Muslim populations include Moscow and Orenburg Oblast. Additionally, the republics of Adygea and Astrakhan Oblast in the Southern Federal District also have substantial Muslim communities.
Religious Organizations and Institutions
Islam's presence in Russia is not just limited to the population; it is also reflected in the number of registered religious organizations. According to data from December 2006, there are over 5000 registered religious Muslim organizations. This number represents over one-sixth of the total number of registered Russian Orthodox religious organizations, which stood at approximately 29268.
Notable Muslim Places of Worship
Russia is home to several prominent places of worship:
Qolrif Mosque in Kazan
The Qolrif Mosque in Kazan is one of the largest mosques in Russia. It belongs to the Hanafite version of Sunni Islam. This grand mosque symbolizes the prominence of Islam in Tatarstan.
Nord Kamal Mosque in Norilsk
The Nord Kamal Mosque in Norilsk is recognized as the northernmost mosque in the world. Its strategic location highlights the widespread distribution of Islamic culture in diverse Russian environments.
Conclusion
The Muslim population in Russia is a significant and growing demographic. Understanding the historical, cultural, and religious context helps in appreciating the influence and importance of Islam in Russian society.
For more information on Islam in Russia, visit the dedicated Wikipedia page.