The Japan Times - Kuwait exhibition presents Ukraine’s Islamic heritage and cultural ties

The Embassy of Ukraine in Kuwait organized a photo exhibition titled “The Islamic Heritage of Ukraine,” followed by a piano concert featuring Ukrainian pianist Dr Denys Bodnar, within celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Kuwait. In his remarks, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Maksym Subkh stressed that 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 Islam is Ukraine’s second-largest religion after Christianity and 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.

Ambassadors and Officials attends the event. - Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

The 'Islamic Heritage of Ukraine' exhibition.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Maksym Subkh speaks at the event.

Ukrainian pianist Dr Denys Bodnar plays at the event.

He also highlighted educational and institutional cooperation between the two countries. In March 2012, 20 Ukrainian imams and community representatives took part in a program 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 organizations and held discussions with Crimean Tatar leaders Mustafa Dzhemilev and Refat Chubarov.

Subkh 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. The ambassador also highlighted 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 Muslims continue to serve alongside Ukrainians of different faiths and backgrounds in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, defending the country’s independence and sovereignty.

The exhibition featured 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.

K.Hashimoto--JT