KUWAIT: Kuwait's first ever exhibition about Islam in Russia opened at the Grand Mosque Sunday evening. The event was organized by the Ministry of Awqaf and the Russian Embassy of Kuwait. The President of the Republic of Ingushetia and Deputy Minister of Awqaf opened the exhibition.

The exhibition displays pictures of Russian mosques and Islamic life in addition to showcasing the various national clothing of different ethnic groups from the Russian Muslim population.

The Deputy Minister of Awqaf, Adel Al-Falah, started the opening ceremony by welcoming the visiting President of Ingushetia, Younis Beik Yuvkorov, to Kuwait.
The exhibition coincides with the Fifth Russia and Muslim World Conference that is taking place in Kuwait currently.

According to Al-Falah the exhibition is an indication of the great historical impact of Russian Muslims on global civilization. "The Muslims of Russia are considered a branch of the tree of Islamic Civilization and they represent a link between Russia and the Muslim world," said Al-Falah.

Yukorov, who was chosen to represent the Russian leadership at the opening of the ceremony, said that it was the first time this exhibition was held outside the Russian Federation and represents the depth of relations between the Russian Federation and the State of Kuwait.

The Russian ambassador in Kuwait, Aleksander Kenshak, said that the Muslim population of Russia is authentic and indigenous, and that they are part of the natural fabric of the Russian nation. Kenshak added "because of that, Russia is a part of the Muslim world, and the Russian leadership knows that and appreciates it.

The ceremony included a short film about Islam in Russia, as well as honored a number of participants in the exhibition by the Ministry of Awqaf. The exhibition will continue in the main tent of the Grand Mosque until Dec 26. - Kuwait Times