Kuwait and Ukraine: Strengthening Cultural Cooperation to Preserve Islamic Heritage

May Al-Sukari - In the context of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kuwait and Ukraine, Ukrainian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Maksym Sub, highlighted the contributions of Kuwaiti charitable institutions in supporting mosques and Muslim communities in the Crimean Peninsula, praising Kuwait’s role in fostering intercultural dialogue and preserving Islamic heritage. This came during the opening of the photographic exhibition “Islamic Heritage in Ukraine,” hosted by the Yarmouk Cultural Center.

The exhibition shed light on the ancient history of Islam in Ukraine, the religious and cultural heritage of the Crimean Tatar people, as well as historical and contemporary mosques and traditions maintained by Muslim communities across generations. The event reflected the deep cultural ties between the two countries, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Ukraine.

In his speech, Sub expressed his hope for the continuation of cultural and humanitarian cooperation with Kuwait, which would strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between the two peoples. He emphasized that Islam is an integral part of Ukraine’s cultural and spiritual heritage, not a recent phenomenon, noting its historical roots in the Crimean Peninsula and its close connection to the history of the Crimean Tatar people.

Sub outlined examples of Kuwaiti-Ukrainian cooperation in religious, cultural, and humanitarian fields, noting that Kuwaiti charitable organizations contributed in 2013 to the restoration of the historic Al-Iman Mosque. In the same year, the Kuwaiti Zakat House supported the construction of a mosque in the village of Krasnosilskiy, serving approximately 100 Muslim families and providing facilities for children’s education. He added that the Al-Sanabil Charity Committee and the Kuwaiti Al-Rahma Organization supported the construction of the Al-Sanabil Mosque in the village of Veresayiv in 2012, a step reflecting the contributions of Kuwaiti charitable institutions in supporting Muslim communities and preserving their religious identity.

The exhibition also featured the contributions of Ukrainian researcher Dr. Mykhailo Yakubovych, who completed the first full translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran from Arabic into Ukrainian, a step reflecting the role of scientific research in introducing Islam and its culture and enhancing understanding among communities.

Sub expressed his appreciation for the existing cultural cooperation between Kuwait and Ukraine, extending his thanks to the Islamic Affairs House, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, and the administration of the Yarmouk Cultural Center. He also specifically thanked Sheikh Hessa Al-Sabah, Director of the Islamic Affairs House, and those responsible for organizing the event.