RF starts building a three-religion center for Judaism, Islam and Orthodoxy
Center for Three Religions. Derbent. Photo: mirmol.ru
On April 6, 2025, a time capsule ceremony took place in the city of Derbent (Republic of Dagestan, Russian Federation), marking the start of construction for a spiritual complex called “Caucasian Jerusalem.” The center will include a mosque, an Orthodox church, and a synagogue.
According to the Head of Dagestan, Sergey Melikov, Derbent is one of Russia’s oldest cities and has always served as a crossroads of cultures and religions.
He expressed confidence that the new spiritual center will become not only a symbol of peace and harmony but also an economic project that will attract tourists and investors to the region.
Senator Kerimov emphasized in his speech that the construction of the complex reflects a spirit of unity regardless of nationality or religion:
“We are united around our President. We are one. I was raised in the spirit of brotherhood toward all nations and faiths.”
The ceremony was timed to coincide with three major religious holidays – Easter, Eid al-Fitr (Uraza Bayram), and Passover. Those participating in the time capsule ceremony included the muftis of Moscow and Dagestan, Chief Rabbi of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia (FJCR) Berel Lazar, the UAE Ambassador to Russia, and representatives of Islamic organizations from the United Arab Emirates.
According to the architects’ concept, “Caucasian Jerusalem” will be built in the new “Yuzhny” (Southern) district and will cover an area of about 35 hectares. In addition to the religious buildings, the complex will feature museums, a library, conference halls, and recreational spaces.
The minarets of the complex will reach a height of 88 meters, making it the tallest structure in Dagestan. The architectural design is inspired by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi but adapted to local culture and includes elements of the Derbent fortress.
The time capsule, which contains a message to future generations, is scheduled to be opened in the year 2125 – exactly 100 years from now.
The exact timeline for the completion of construction has not yet been announced.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that militants in Dagestan attacked a synagogue and two churches and slit the throat of an Orthodox priest.
Also, a unified place of worship for Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam is set to be built in Moscow.
Read also
Annual academic conference opens at Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary
The fifteenth annual conference was dedicated to the anniversaries of Prince Vasyl-Kostiantyn Ostrožský and Metropolitan Rafail (Zaborovský).
Feminists attack Roman Catholic churches in Latin America
During protest actions, members of radical groups attacked cathedrals in several Latin American countries, assaulted police officers, and threw paint at believers.
UOC hierarch takes part in German bishops’ conference
Bishop Veniamin of Boyarka took part in the OBKD assembly in Düsseldorf.
Ivano-Frankivsk scraps school project planned on demolished UOC church site
The authorities in Ivano-Frankivsk have dropped plans to build the school for whose construction a UOC church was demolished.
Shostatsky to UOC: If you are so righteous – do not cling to your churches
The OCU metropolitan called on UOC faithful and clergy to pray rather than defend their churches from seizures.
Archbishop John: The Church is not a special group – it is open to everyone
The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Albania explained why the Church cannot shut itself off from people and what danger arises when believers begin to feel that it is “ours.”