Abstract
The chapter examines the place and role of Islam in the socio-political life of the peoples in the North Caucasus, especially in the Chechen Republic, as well as relations between the state and religious organizations and society, and examines the role of Islam in the political and socio-spiritual life of the region. The work analyzes the struggles of Chechen people for independence, which were called the Chechen wars and given the cliché of Jihad, reflected in the revival of political organizations and activities. The chapter shows that having experienced two very dreadful wars it is still possible to build a strong, sovereign, safe republic with a very low criminal rate, and written a long stand strategy for the socio-economic development. It is worthy to say that the strategy has clearly defined basic priorities and development vector of the Chechen Republic until 2025 as a mechanism for their initial coordination, where the main priority in the tourism sector, since the republic has a great potential for it.
TopIntroduction
In recent years, in Russia, there has been a dynamic development of both domestic and foreign tourism. Many higher educational institutions of the country have begun training specialists in the field of tourism business, excursion business, etc. Manuals have been published on introducing tourism, management, marketing, advertising and insurance in tourism, organizing tourism activities, etc.
While talking about the religious tourism we have to consider: the nature and structure of religious tourism; the study of religion as a phenomenon of social life, its types and role in the life of society; study of the principles of the doctrine of the most common and famous theological schools; characteristics of the territories; description of holy places, religious centers, and pilgrimage routes; disclosure of the features of the practical organization of religious tourism.
In the XXI century, people have more opportunities to visit the holy places of their religion. The demand for religious tourism is due to a certain crisis of religions that have occurred in connection with the rapid changes in all aspects of human life in the past few decades.
Religious tourists and especially pilgrims embark on a journey when they need to do something more than religious actions in the usual environment of their residence. People visit holy places with different motives: to pray, solve personal problems, find a system of values, establish them on the spiritual path, and with the purpose of acquaintance with the cultural heritage of the country. On the Russian tourism market (since North Caucasus is a part of the Russian Federation), companies have already developed their practical skills in the organizations of trips excursionists for pilgrims and in the provision of services in the field of religious tourism.
Above I underlined that while talking about religion tourism we have to consider the characteristics of the territories of the spread of religions, its types, and role in the life of society, disclosure of the features of the practical organization of religious tourism. For this reason I assume that the topic “The Development of Islamic Knowledge and Tourism in the Modern life of North Caucasus” is very actual, vital and need to draw attention. Since the religion, mostly Islam is quite strictly followed and the Chechen republic situating in region has a very good potential for it.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Islam: Is the youngest and second-largest religion in the world, the followers of Islam believe in Allah and are called Muslims. The lifestyles of Muslims are according to the Islamic law called Sharia and a holy book called the Quran.
Chechen Republic: A former Soviet Union republic, satiates in the North Caucasus Federal District declared its independence in 1991, however having two official/national languages: Chechen and Russian and is still a subject within the border of Russian Federation. The prevailing religion in the Chechen Republic is Islam, which has a great spiritual, cultural and political influence on many people not only in the republic but in the whole region.
North Caucasus: A part of Russian Federation located in Asia, south of the European part of the Federation in the mountains and foothills of the Caucasus. It contains 7 republics (with the major faith of Islam) and 2 territories. The region has the most fertile lands, the most important resorts.
Jihad: Is an Arabic word and means any effort or diligence, in particular in work, study, etc. Some scholars divide Jihad into large (spiritual struggle) and small (ghazavat - armed struggle). The concept of Jihad refers to constant action for the ideals of the Islamic religion.
Wahhabism: Formed in the 18th century, is a relatively new religious and political movement in Islam, which is opposed to all innovations. The founder of the movement was Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab at-Tamimi.
Islamic Education: Is one of the forms of teaching the religion, study Islam and all its aspects: rules, customs, ceremonies, etc. It implies a type of education that is mainly separate from academic ones and which as a rule considers religious beliefs as a fundamental principle and operational modality.
Traditional Society: A society that is governed by traditions and custom. The social structure in it is characterized by a rigid social class hierarchy, the existence of stable social communities (especially in the countries of the East), a special way of regulating the life of society, based on traditions and customs. It seeks to maintain its foundations and changes gradually - its evolution usually takes place over several generations.