SAM of Chechnya: former central mosque of Grozny not demolished, but reconstructed

The Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) of Chechnya refutes the information about the demolition of the former central mosque of Grozny, located in Tamanskaya Street, and notes that the reconstruction is underway there. Descendants of the founder of the mosque say that the mosque takes on a new look, while retaining its original architectural style.

Earlier, it was reported that the mosque, located near the major market of Grozny, which was demolished two years ago, was closed under the pretext of the need for reconstruction. The mosque was one of the city mosques, most visited by believers; some local residents reported on its demolition because of the fact that the believers preferred to visit the mosque and not the new mosque named after Akhmad Kadyrov, which was constructed several years ago in the centre of the Chechen capital, with a capacity of 10,000 persons.

"The mosque is not being demolished, but it is being reconstructed. At the time of its construction, builders failed to comply with all the technical rules of construction. We should not forget that, in any case, we live in a seismic zone. Besides, the building was damaged during the war," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by Turpal Gairbekov, Assistant Mufti of Chechnya.

According to Abdulkerim Deniev, the grandson of the founder of the mosque, the former central mosque of Grozny is being repaired by order of the leader of the republic.

"The mosque was built by Ilyas Deniev, my grandfather. His father Denis Arsanov was a well-known religious figure, Sheikh of the Naqshbandi tariqa, who had many murids. Ilyas Deniev took his surname from the name of his father. He began to build the mosque in the late 80's of the last century. The mosque was opened in 1992. The mosque suffered little damage during the war," Abdulkerim Deniev said.

According to him, in 2005, the mosque was restored with funds, allocated by the "Vneshtorgbank". "In 2008, by order of Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of the republic, the Grozny Mayoralty also held repairs in the mosque. This year, Ramzan Kadyrov visited the mosque and ordered to conduct capital repair of the mosque. We are satisfied with the way how it is being repaired. Outside, the mosque is being decorated with marble. Inside, decorating works are also underway. The mosque was not deteriorated, and it will be undoubtedly improved," Abdulkerim Deniev believes.

He has added that many believers used to visit the mosque, and it is very popular among the believers.