Lawmaker Proposes Considering Construction of New Mosque in Krasnoyarsk

Lawmaker Proposes Considering Construction of New Mosque in Krasnoyarsk

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Local Politician Pushes for Second Mosque in Krasnoyarsk

Ivan Petrov, a deputy in the local city council of Krasnoyarsk, has proposed a discussion on building a second mosque in the city. Overflowing crowds at the existing mosque on Metallurgists Street, 65, prompted Petrov's initiative. On holidays, over 30,000 people attend the mosque, and weekly prayers gather several times more worshippers than the building can accommodate.

Petrov highlighted that in other million-plus cities, the number of mosques is far greater. For instance, Kazan boasts 70 mosques, Novosibirsk has 4, and Ufa counts 23. In 2024, Petrov submitted a request to the administration of Krasnoyarsk, and a potential site for construction was found in the microdistrict of Soloñtse-2. However, the process has stalled.

"The site is situated away from residential areas, reducing potential conflicts with local residents, yet maintaining good transportation access," explained Petrov.

Petrov also debunked prevalent stereotypes. Most Muslims in Krasnoyarsk are Russian citizens, and building a mosque will not induce an increase in migration. Petrov believes that the majority of the funding can be secured through donations, echoing the process often followed when building Orthodox churches.

To expedite the process, Ivan Petrov announced a signature gathering campaign to support the project (locations and times of events can be confirmed at the regional LDPR office). "Krasnoyarsk is our common home, and it's crucial to respect the rights of all believers," Petrov emphasized.

Now, the question of building a new mosque will be discussed by city authorities.

In recent news, the new head of the Krasnoyarsk Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church, Bishop Nikita, stated that there should be at least 100 Orthodox churches in Krasnoyarsk with its population. Currently, there are only 43.

Photo credit: city council

Enrichment Insights:• The region of Krasnoyarsk Krai contains a 1.5% Muslim population, but no specific mosque count for Krasnoyarsk city is available.• Cities like Kazan, known for their large Muslim populations, may have a higher concentration of mosques than Krasnoyarsk. Novosibirsk and Ufa require further investigation due to their large Muslim communities.• Current evidence does not suggest any ongoing efforts for building a second mosque in Krasnoyarsk. Future developments could be influenced by competition between Muslim organizations.

1. The news about Ivan Petrov's proposal to build a second mosque in Krasnoyarsk is generating discussions among local residents, as the existing mosque often accommodates over 30,000 people during holidays and more during weekly prayers.
2. In comparison, cities like Kazan, Novosibirsk, and Ufa, known for their substantial Muslim communities, have a larger number of mosques than Krasnoyarsk.
3. Petrov's initiative for a new mosque, if approved, will be located in the Soloñtse-2 microdistrict, away from residential areas but with good transportation access.
4. As the process moves forward, the Krasnoyarsk city authorities will face the question of balancing religious diversity, home-and-garden concerns, and the perceived need for lifestyle changes in the city, particularly in terms of building more religious establishments, such as the proposed second mosque and the 100 Orthodox churches envisioned by the new head of the Krasnoyarsk Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church.

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