This place is known not only in Chechnya, it's the symbol of a reborn capital. The Heart of Chechnya mosque is the largest not only in Russia but also in Europe. How to increase the flow of tourists? How safe is it here? Are there gays in Chechnya? Let's ask the head of the Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov.
- Who is Ramzan Kadyrov?
- The slave of Allah and servant of the people.
- What does he think about the sanctions?
- For the sake of my state and my people I'm under sanctions. Honestly, it's very nice.
- What about our athletes being possibly banned from the Olympics?
- It has everything to do with politics.
- We ask about his pioneer past.
- In my childhood, we were taught to say: "Lenin lives, Lenin will live!"
- We ask if he's ready to leave his post.
- It's fair to say that it's my dream.
Ramzan Kadyrov: I believe that every day of my life is happy, because it is granted by the Most High. You wake up in the morning, live in this life, you pray, you pay your duties to the Almighty. I am the happiest person.
- In the West, homosexual families have become allowed. They try to make us incorporate these so-called values into our own society. Can this become standard practice in Russia and in Chechnya in particular?
- Actually, you can not even talk about it in Chechnya. It is inadmissible.This especially isn't discussed with the elders. Or if there is a woman, such words can't even be pronounced. Well, we see what's going on. I am sure that we will never adopt this here. As for the Chechen Republic, human rights activists themselves came up with the idea to make money, as if people are persecuted in Chechnya, people are killed in Chechnya…
- Aren't they?
- We don't have such people, whom shall we persecute?
- But there are such people in Russia. You can't deny it.
- Well... They've always existed.
- And they will always exist.
- Yes, they will always exist, but I'm sure it shouldn't be and it won't be here like in the European Union. A man is a man. A woman is a woman. Well, how can this be?
- So, you think it's just against the laws of nature, and that it can't exist?
- Absolutely, it's against the laws of nature.
- This is Western democracy for you.
- I wonder where it is written. OK, two men can be married and adopt a child. What will they teach this child? Poor child. I believe that we must follow all the rules of life. We must live the way the Most High created us.
The second son and the youngest child in the family, Ramzan Kadyrov, was born on October 5, 1976 in the village of Tsentaroy. He graduated from high school there. His father, Akhmad Kadyrov, was the Chief Mufti of Chechnya and the first President of the Republic. He died in a terrorist attack on May 9, 2004.
Every year on May 10, the Day of Memory and Grief of the Peoples of Chechnya, events are held in the region to commemorate the first President, Hero of Russia, Akhmat-Hadji Kadyrov. And his son visits his father's grave in his native village. But what about attempts upon his life.
Ramzan Kadyrov: I don't remember exactly how many there were, but several. I was blown up, shot at, this is normal. Nothing serious happened. When I learn that they made an attempt, I feel uneasy: how dare they! They know I'm at war with them, that I am destroying and will destroy them.
- As far as you know, which Chechen nationalists who fought for the militants are engaged in Kiev politics today?
- I can't name the Chechens, or the politicians. Well, there are renegades who have not found their place in this life. I mean those who committed such crimes in the Chechen Republic, in Russia. There are several rogues like this there. Some are already dead, some got wounded. Well, I think they will shoot the rest in the near future, because Ukraine also does not need them, in fact.
Ramzan Kadyrov does not reveal the names, but, supposedly, he’s referring to Nardep Mosiychuk, who fought for the militants in Chechnya. Mosiychuk is notorious for this video showing him publicly shooting at Kadyrov's photo. In October, there was an attempt on his life. A few days later Amina Okueva was killed in Kiev, and her boyfriend was wounded. They both fought against the militia in the Donbas. Kiev alleged that Kadyrov might have orchestrated this.
- You're accused of the attempt on MP Mosiychuk. Also in Kiev, a Ms. Okueva was killed, who was allegedly a Chechen, or, according to other data, she was born in Odessa, and her surname was Nikiforova. Her husband was wounded. And you are accused of being involved in all this. Do you have something to say to them?
- You know, today it's trendy to blame on Kadyrov everything that happens! How can Mosiychuk be killed or wounded? He's a real artist, he's a nobody. He was an obstacle for them, so they blew him up. The same with Okueva, Nikiforova, or Adam Osmaev, who is known in Russia as a criminal, a terrorist. Now they aren't needed, they only create problems. So, it's profitable to kill them and blame it on Russia. And who should they accuse to make it interesting for everyone to read, for the West to really hear it? Well, there's Kadyrov, blame it on him.
- So, you were not involved.
-Of course.
-You're smiling as you say this.
- Of course, I don't understand it. But I'm pleased that they are afraid of me.
- The people of Chechnya were embroiled in the murder of Nemtsov. What does Chechnya have to do with his murder?
- Actually, I'm sure that we are clean in this instance. According to my information, those guys are not guilty. And I still think that this is wrong. Someone needed it, he had his sins. Nemtsov was killed, and again they blame it on Kadyrov! Everybody says Kadyrov killed Nemtsov. For me and my team, Nemtsov was a more favorable character. Who are they? They are nothing. I mean the liberals who are shouting that the Caucasus must be separated from Russia. I do not know, someone needed to close the case, someone needed to claim they had found the perpetrators. Well, mistakes happen. I think that history will assess it and sort it all out.
- We talked about Ukraine and the West. Do you like having others fear you?
- It's good when your enemies fear you. It will be easier to fight them. I'm a lifelong warrior. And I'm waiting for an order at any time to complete the assigned combat task. And knowing that they have already lost heart, it will be easier to fight, wherever it is. Well, people in general especially children, love me. Enemies fear me. Some envy me. But nothing can be done here, it's just life that makes people so.
- About enemies. Do you have enemies?
- I have no enemies. There are only enemies of Islam, the people, the state. These are my enemies, and as for personal enemies, Ramzan Kadyrov has no enemies. I've never offended anyone.
The enemies of Islam include those fighting for ISIS. Often children and women become hostages to radical ideas. In mid-November, a group of almost 40 people was taken from Syria to Chechnya. Their husbands and fathers had deceived them into supporting ISIS in Syria.
- How many Chechens are now fighting for ISIS in Syria? Do you have any numbers?
- Today it is impossible to say because they are almost all destroyed. They are savages. We write, we speak a lot, our sites are everywhere. Nobody works better than us in awareness-building. They still left Chechnya, without any understanding. Although there are very few of them from the Republic. Most of the Chechens there are the Chechens who lived in Europe. They came to Syria from there.
- Does Russia need a death penalty for terrorists?
- The death penalty for terrorists is not just necessary, but crucial, they are to be not only caught, but destroyed. And if they are caught, they shouldn't be allowed to live.
- You are one of the most ardent supporters of Vladimir Putin. How does he react to your affection? You have even called him your idol.
- In fact, I do sincerely call him an idol as he has all the qualities I admire. First and foremost, human, masculine qualities. His patriotism. And his words meet his actions. I'm ready to die for him because it's a very difficult time. People do not understand what I mean when I say I'm ready to die, but I mean I'm ready to fulfill any order. They think that these are only empty words. But the Chechens are a very grateful people. Were it not for his willful decision, courage, and determination, not only the Chechen Republic but the whole of Russia would have been destroyed, as we see today in Syria.
- Do you often talk to him?
- When he summons me, I'm always at attention. It rarely happens otherwise.
Their first meeting took place in 2004 immediately after the death of Akhmad Kadyrov. Here's the footage. Chechnya, with its centuries-old traditions of highlanders, the continuity of generations, immediately proposed to transfer power from father to son. However, Ramzan Kadyrov was 28, while the president of the Republic had to be at least 30. As a result, he was appointed first deputy PM, and then prime minister. It gave Kadyrov a chance to prove that he was able to manage not only the security forces.
- You're accused of being an authoritarian leader in the Republic. Maybe, a strongman is indispensable in Chechnya and in the Caucasus in general?
- People think that I'm tough and sometimes even violent. My people do not understand toughness or violence. My people understands when you find a common ground with them, tune in to them. Government and society should be united.
In the 90s, Grozny was in ruins. Today this city has changed drastically. Modern buildings, blooming parks, and gardens, wide avenues and cozy streets. Grozny is the heart of Chechnya, it's a hallmark that gives us a chance to see the future of the entire region.
- Which countries are investing in the Chechen Republic?
- The UAE, Turkey. There are European states which also invest. We're now building good ties with Saudi Arabia, there are also investors from Iran, Israel.
- Are there any priority projects with foreign partners now?
- We did not have hotels or business centers. We built Gudermes City, and there are all the necessary conditions: hotels, offices. There's also Argun City. Right now, the Chalet City is being completed in Grozny. The Arab Emirates is building a 5-star hotel with a shopping and entertainment center. An International University is being built. And we also opened a joint fund for small and medium-sized businesses.
- When is the International University expected?
- The most important thing isn't to build a frame, but decide who'll manage it. Three states are involved: Russia, the Emirates, and one more state.
Another direction is tourism. The mountain climate, the stunning beauty of nature are all assets, which can bring a lot of profit. The most anticipated project for fans of skiing is the launch of the Veduchi resort.
- When will a ski resort appear in Chechnya?
- We plan to launch a ski resort this year, so to speak, the first pistes. And next year it will be up and running at full capacity. There will be a hotel as well as separate villas, we call them cottages. All the necessary conditions are to be created in our resort, it should be one of the best in all respects. I did not even know that Chechens love skiing so much. I'm not a fan, I have never skied, maybe only a couple of times in my childhood.
- Will you learn?
- Well, of course! I'll try. They say it's not difficult, I've never skied. Honestly, I'm not a fan.
- Well, given your love for sports, I think you'll succeed.
- I will have to.
- What cities do tourists come to Chechnya from?
- From all over Russia. Many come from Asia. Well, it's nice when Americans come, even if they are forbidden. But still, people come, come, not only to see Grozny, but they go to the mountains, they sleep there, stay with the families who live there. Last year a famous Chinese blogger came with tens of millions of subscribers. When a person arrives, they understand that it's safe, calm here, and that the Chechen people are a hospitable people.
- Well, the interest of the Chinese is understandable as the Silk Road passed through Chechnya.
- We have a 1500-year-old fortress. The Silk Road was near this fortress. And we are now restoring this fortress. Hospitality still exists in our mountains. And the plain became like a city. I think we'll do it in such a way as to preserve the culture, and customs because if we lose the culture, then we lose everything. Take the birth rate for instance. We fight for it, we give money.
The birth rate in Chechnya is indeed one of the highest in Russia. More than 22 thousand children were born this year.
- Chechnya is now leading by a number of indicators. You have the lowest divorce rate. You're also leading by population growth. How did you achieve this?
- Over the past several months we've united more than 2,000 families which is more than 5,000 children. Speaking of divorce, reasons are generally elementary. Our commission visits the husband, then the wife.
- Trying to convince them that this is wrong?
- Yes, that it's wrong. There are moments when such assistance is needed. Just imagine, 5,000 children live with their families.
Kadyrov himself has 12 children. His wife, Medni Kadyrova, founded the Firdaws fashion house, which creates Muslim clothing. And these are not gloomy black burqas, which Muslims typically wear. Last year, the mother gave her daughter Ajshat the leadership of the fashion house. Zaryadye Park in Moscow has recently hosted her fashion show.
- Should polygamy be legalized in Russia?
- Well, Russia is multinational, multi-confessional, every nation has its own culture. And if polygamy is possible for Muslims then Muslims have the right to do so. There are some who need to register the marriage. It should be up to the people. There are different religions, different cultures. But I don't think it should be codified by law.
- How many wives should there be?
- If there are good, beautiful... if it is necessary, then 4 are OK. And if there is one who replaces all the four, then one doesn't need four, one is sufficient.
- During the time that you have been heading the republic, it has greatly changed. Construction is moving by leaps and bounds. Will you keep the pace?
- With such support from the President and with such understanding from the people, I had no option but to build. We restored the republic, and started constructing not only buildings like Grozny City, Gudermes City, and others. We are building factories, enterprises, it's a new generation. We will continue to build. We have very interesting projects. In the future, we intend to make Grozny the youth center of the Caucasus. And we are creating all the conditions for this. We are building a University, a student campus for 40,000 students. We have the Akhmat tower, the Grozny Sea.
- You have been heading the republic for 10 years. Of course, you are young and full of energy, but still, you will have to leave this post eventually. Are you ready for this?
- It's fair to say that it's been my dream to manage a region, bear responsibility for the people, for the republic before Allah, the state's leadership and the people, it's very difficult. We have to pay for every mistake made in this life in the afterlife. I would say that... It's not that I'm tired or don't want to serve. I think it's time to leave, people like me were needed once to fight and bring order. Now order and respect are ruling here, with an understanding of Russian society. I mean, they recognize us as citizens of Russia. I believe that it is time for changes in the Chechen Republic.
- Are you looking for a successor?
- Well, this is the prerogative of the state’s leader. And this is the people's decision. If I'm asked about candidates, there are a few people who can carry out these obligations, and responsibilities at the highest level. But it's up to the leadership.
- Mr. Kadyrov, what mission did your father give you that you will give to your children?
- My father always said, "If you are fair in everything you will never have difficulties in life." And I try to stick to these words, I want everyone to be fair with each other, it will bring about more understanding. For me, every word pronounced by my father was good advice.
