In Guria, Muslims abandon a mosque project after a conflict with fellow villagers

In Georgia, Christians and Muslims of the Buknari village in the Guria District have settled a conflict over plans regarding the mosque construction. Muslims will have the possibility to pray in the village, but they will not demand the construction of a mosque.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on January 12, a fight broke out in the village of Buknari among members of the Muslim community, who wanted to build a mosque, and members of the Christian community, who oppose such construction. Two Muslims were injured. On January 13, several dozen people arrived from Adjara to support the Muslim community.

The villagers of Buknari have agreed that Christians will not interfere with the prayers of Muslims, and Muslims will not demand the construction of a mosque.

According to Adam Shantadze, Mufti of All Georgia, he expected a peaceful outcome of the meeting. "We took part in a historic meeting, and members of the village communities shook hands. I believe the reached agreement will become the basis for the peaceful coexistence," the Mufti of All Georgia said on the air of the "Mtavari Arkhi" TV Company.

The Muslims of the Buknari village have noted that religion should not be the reason for inequality among the villagers: all residents are "Georgians and brothers" and should live in peace and harmony.

According to some villagers, a third force intervened in the dispute between the parties.