THE EMERGENCE AND IMPORTANCE OF PILGRIMAGE ROUTES IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE: FROM THE STEPPE REGION TO MECCA

Abstract

The article examines the process of the formation of the pilgrimage of Muslims from different re-gions of the Russian Empire to the holy places of Mecca and Medina, emphasizing the imperial policy toward Muslims and their pilgrimage routes. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pilgrimage was important to Muslims, but it also aroused suspicion and apprehension on the part of the authorities. The main purpose of the work is to analyze the conditions of the pilgrimage movement, its problems and the characteristics of the routes. The Russian Empire tried to strengthen its control over the Muslim peoples by creating a consular network and approving official routes. Nevertheless, the growth of rail and sea transportation led to an increase in the number of pilgrims, thanks to a temporary reduction in travel and security. In addition, the article examines in detail the importance of obtaining special Hajj passports for traveling on special state roads, which indicates the moments of bureaucracy of the pilgrimage process at that time. The article clearly shows how Muslims, including Kazakh pilgrims, were able to take advan-tage of new opportunities to fulfill their religious duty.