Muslim ummah of the cathedral mosque of Irkutsk in the 1990s. in the context of desecularization

Abstract

The article explores the emergence of Islamic structures following the disintegration of the Soviet state, framed within the concept of desecularization. This phenomenon is marked by various trends, including the resurgence of religious beliefs and practices, the reintegration of religion into public life, and the alignment of previously secular institutions with religious norms, both formal and informal. The study delves into the activities of the Muslim community at the Cathedral Mosque of Irkutsk and the establishment of a political framework through all-Russian religious organizations known as muftiates.

Initially, local Tatar activists played a pivotal role in the mosque's restoration, viewing it as a symbol of national identity. However, as desecularization progressed, all-Russian religious bodies assumed responsibility for guiding the Muslim community. These processes facilitated the empowerment of imams and the expansion of Muslim networks within Russian society. Competition for resources and leadership positions ultimately led to the increased autonomy of the Irkutsk Cathedral Mosque and the formation of a distinct entity, the Baikal Muftiate.