Ukraine exhibition in Kuwait spotlights Islamic heritage

Kuwait: A photo exhibition titled “The Islamic Heritage of Ukraine” has been organised by the Embassy of Ukraine in Kuwait, accompanied by a piano recital performed by Ukrainian pianist Dr Denys Bodnar. The event formed part of celebrations for the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Kuwait.

Islam’s deep roots in Ukraine

In his address, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Maksym Subkh said Islam was an integral part of Ukraine’s cultural and spiritual heritage, with deep historical roots in Crimea and among the Crimean Tatar community. He noted that Islam is Ukraine’s second-largest religion after Christianity.

The ambassador highlighted Kuwait’s contributions to preserving Ukraine’s Islamic heritage, particularly through charitable and religious initiatives in Crimea. “Kuwaiti charitable organizations supported the restoration of the historic Al-Iman Mosque in 2013, while Kuwait’s Zakat House supported the construction of a mosque in Krasnoselske village that year. The Al-Sanabil charitable committee and Al-Rahma Organization also supported the construction of Al-Sanabil Mosque in Veresaieve village in 2012,” Subkh said.

Educational cooperation and shared history

Subkh also pointed to educational and institutional cooperation between the two countries. In March 2012, 20 Ukrainian imams and community representatives took part in a programme on moderation, dialogue and peaceful coexistence at Kuwait’s International Al-Wasatiyya Centre. Later that year, Dr Adel Abdullah Falah, then undersecretary of Kuwait’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, visited Kyiv and Crimea, where he met Muslim organisations and held discussions with Crimean Tatar leaders Mustafa Dzhemilev and Refat Chubarov.

The ambassador expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s efforts to preserve Ukraine’s Islamic heritage and strengthen bilateral relations, noting that cultural heritage lives not only in monuments but also through the people who preserve their history, faith and traditions. He also drew attention to the difficult history of the Crimean Tatar community, including its forced deportation by the Soviet regime in May 1944 and subsequent restrictions on its return, cultural expression and religious life.

“Since Russia’s occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014, Crimean Tatars and other Muslim communities have faced further challenges, including restrictions on religious freedom and pressure on minority communities,” he said. Subkh noted that Muslims continue to serve alongside Ukrainians of different faiths and backgrounds in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, defending the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Exhibition and concert

The exhibition brought together archival materials and contemporary photographs documenting the development and spread of Islam in Ukraine, including Crimea. Displays showcased historic and modern mosques, Crimean Tatar traditions, and the richness of Muslim culture, cuisine and architecture.

It also highlighted the work of Dr Mykhailo Yakubovych, a scholar who produced the first complete Ukrainian translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran from Arabic. Another feature was Ornek, the traditional Crimean Tatar ornament inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which reflects the community’s enduring cultural identity.

Held in cooperation with Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, and the Yarmouk Cultural Centre, the event also celebrated Ukrainian music and artistic heritage. Bodnar’s piano concert featured works by Ukrainian classical composers, including pieces inspired by the landscapes of Crimea. Ukrainian clarinetist Viktor Shramko, who lives and works in Kuwait, joined him for several performances.

Subkh said the concert offered an opportunity to celebrate the friendship between Ukraine and Kuwait through music, which transcends borders and brings people together.