Islam is the second-largest religion in Russia, with a history spanning over a millennium.

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: From the medieval Volga Bulgaria to the modern Russian Federation, Islam has been an integral part of the country's cultural fabric. Today, it is officially recognized as a traditional religion, supported by the state, and practiced by millions of citizens across diverse ethnic groups and regions.

Islam's presence in Russia dates back to the mid-7th century in the Caucasus, with the first Muslim state, Volga Bulgaria, emerging by the 10th century. Over centuries, the faith spread among Turkic and Caucasian peoples, including the Tatars and Bashkirs. Under Catherine the Great, Islam gained formal recognition, and the state began subsidizing Islamic clerics and scholarship, establishing a precedent for its status as a major religion alongside Orthodox Christianity.

The 20th century brought profound shifts. The Soviet Union’s policy of state atheism led to the suppression of religious leaders and the closure of most mosques. However, the post-Soviet era saw a significant Islamic revival. Today, the Russian government subsidizes mosques and Islamic education, viewing the faith as a key component of the nation's cultural identity. President Vladimir Putin has described Orthodox Christianity and Islam as closely aligned, and the state actively manages religious affairs through various Muslim Spiritual Directorates.

Demographically, Muslims are concentrated in the Volga region and the North Caucasus, though large urban centers like Moscow host significant populations. While over 90% of Russian Muslims are Sunni, there is a notable Shia minority. Recent years have also seen the emergence of ethnic Russian converts, some of whom participate in movements that frame Islam as a path to national rebirth. Despite historical tensions and periods of conflict, Islam remains a foundational, legally protected element of the modern Russian state.

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