AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Russia is preparing a new tourism initiative aimed at introducing and highlighting its rich Islamic heritage. The project, known in the Tatar language as Izge Sukmak, meaning “Sacred Route,” has been designed to attract domestic tourists as well as visitors from Islamic countries in particular.
According to sources involved in the project, the “Sacred Route” will include a targeted tourism pathway across regions of Russia where Islam has played a significant role in shaping historical and cultural identity. The route will feature visits to mosques, religious sites, Islamic historical landmarks, local markets, and traditional cuisine, alongside natural attractions.
As part of the initiative, digital infrastructure, including mobile applications and specialized websites, will be developed to facilitate travel planning, provide maps, introduce accommodations, and offer tourism services, making access to different regions easier for visitors.
Russian officials emphasize that the project could serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the targeted areas, supporting infrastructure development, job creation in the service and tourism sectors, and diversification of local economies. This is considered especially important for less developed regions.
The “Sacred Route” project has received official backing from the Russian government, with support from senior officials, including the country’s deputy prime minister, and is expected to be presented at future international tourism forums as one of Russia’s strategic pillars for tourism development.
According to project organizers, beyond its economic benefits, the initiative will contribute to interfaith dialogue and raise awareness of Islam’s historical role in Russia, thereby playing a significant role in the country’s cultural diplomacy.
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