Religious Space of Kazan: Identities and Practices (the Results of Ethnosociological Research)

DOI: 10.33876/2311-0546/2023-3/303-318

Abstract

This article seeks to contribute to the trend of studying the confessional space of large multi-ethnic cities of the Russian Federation. It is based on the ethnosociological study conducted in Kazan in 2021. The purpose is to analyze the identity and practices of three numerically predominant social groups in the confessional space of Kazan – Muslims, Orthodox and non-believers (atheists). The authors studied the content of believers' perception of their confessional identity, described the dynamics of intra- and inter-confessional relations in the assessments of believers and non-believers, analyzed the general socio-psychological atmosphere in the studied groups. It is concluded that the trend towards "peaceful coexistence" of different worldviews is supported by the growing number of believers who propagate conscious choice of religion and independent coming to faith. It is shown that non-believers more often speak out against the strengthening role of religion in various spheres of public and political life. The results may be useful for sociologists, psychologists, social and cultural anthropologists, political scientists, and bodies in charge of ethnic and religious policy.