Mustafa KÜTÜKÇÜ

Despite early knowing Islam in Russia, in Muslim countries in people's understanding Russia and Islam are perceived as the incompatible parties. Presence of various occasions of this unreasonable opinion about Russia reflects reality of communistic domination for many years not only in the Russian territory, but also in the adjoining states. Modern Russia represents itself as the observer in the Organization of Islamic cooperation (OIC (Organization ofthe Islamic conference (OIC) till 2011) with Muslim population more than 20 million people proclaiming themselves as a part of the Islamic world and aiming to become a member ofthis organization. After dissolution of the Soviet Union under the new constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion and conscience, the peoples have found independence in religious denomination. Orthodoxy, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism are named traditional religions in Russia. Muslims, as well as adherents of other religions, have the rights given to themby law, may practice their religion freely. One of the important religious rituals which is impossible to execute without the state support is hajj. For the last twelve centuries Russian Muslims are able to make pilgrimage, despite economic and political difficulties.

Key Words: Islam, Russia and Islam, hajj, pilgrims' routes, Golden Horde.