PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAMIC VIRTUAL TOURISM

The article reveals the peculiarities of the formation of religious (islamic) virtual tourism. The importance of developing a system of tourist religious virtual space is due to the need to comply with innovative processes affecting modern virtual reality technologies, which are especially relevant during a pandemic. The author made an attempt to trace the influence of virtual reality technologies on the creation of virtual religious (islamic) tours and excursions. The comparative analysis made it possible to trace the advantages and disadvantages of traditional and virtual religious tourism.

SHIITES IN THE SOCIO-POLITICAL SPACE OF MODERN LEBANON. (CONTINUED IN THE NEXT ISSUE)

Lebanese Shiites have become the focus of attention of Tehran, which is trying to involve them in the plans to strengthen its influence in Arab countries.

REISLAMIZATION OF MUSLIM LIFE IN CENTRAL ASIA AT THE END OF THE 20TH CENTURY

The author describes changes in the religious life of Muslims of the former Soviet republics that took place during the period 1989-91. At this particular time a delegation of representatives of the Organization of the Islamic Conference headed by Sheikh Muhammad Nasir Al-Abudi visited the republic. The text was prepared on the basis of the sheikh's diary entries, which were subsequently published in Arabic and aroused great interest in Muslim countries.

THE PROBLEM OF ETHNIC KURDS IN THE MIDDLE EASTERN REGION: THE HISTORY OF ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION

This article examines the problem of the Kurds in ensuring regional stability and security in the Middle East, the history of this problem in comparison with the history of the countries of the region in the 14-19 centuries. The analysis of the facts presented in the historical literature about the Kurds is carried out. The attitude of the Middle East countries to these issues, the factor of external power in this matter, the relationship of the problem with other confessional problems in the region are also being studied.

THE ROLE OF ULAMA1 IN THE PUBLIC LIFE IN SYRIA (1970-2020)

Religion still plays a significant role in Syria, despite the fact that the civil war divided Syrians into supporters of the government and its opponents. Inside a large group of Muslim sheikhs, there is also no agreement.

IRAN-SYRIA: FACTORS OF COOPERATION AND RAPPROCHEMENT

The article is about Iran-Syria relations. Bilateral ties between these countries were not friendly under Shah Reza Pahlavi (1919-1980), despite a thaw in relations in the 1970s. Having lost the U.S. support, Iran needed allies immediately after the Islamic revolution (1978-1979), which led to a rapprochement with Syria. The Iranian leadership also shared the Syrian point of view regarding Israel. All these factors have encouraged the bilateral ties strengthening. Iran has supported Bashar al-Assad's regime, providing Syria with both financial and military assistance since the beginning of the Syrian crisis (2011).

ETHNIC AND CONFESSIONAL IN ISLAM: IS “TRUE ISLAM” SO RELIGIOUSLY PURE?

Since the 1980s of the 20 century ideology, and then the practice of the so-called “Pure Islam” began, under external influence, to sneak actively to the territory of Russia. Its adherents entered into irreconcilable confrontation with the supporters of traditional Islam and it resulted in the emergence and development of religious and political extremism and terrorism under the guise of Moslem beliefs. In this regard, it seems relevant to find out whether the so-called “pure Islam,” free from the influence of ethnicity and traditional values really exists.

COOPERATION BETWEEN RUSSIA, KYRGYZSTAN, KAZAKHSTAN, TAJIKISTAN AND UZBEKISTAN WITHIN THE SCO AND THE EAEU

The review deals with prominent aspects of the interaction between the SCO Member States in the field of politics, economics, science and education. Special importance is attached to digitalization, youth projects, scientific and educational cooperation of universities and the activities of international information and scientific centres that have an impact on the integration processes in the Eurasian area.

MUSLIM / MALAY COMMUNITY IN SINGAPORE

The article is dedicated to the Muslim / Malay community in Singapore. The author dwells to analyse of historical and socio-political aspects, which affected on its modern development, considered the activities of its main institutions and organizations, and concluded the prospects for the full integration of the Malay community into the construct of united Singapore nation.