The intensification of the Islamization of Chechnya in the second half of the 90s, when the republic was under the control of militants, was not disputed by anyone in it. One of the reasons for this process was the hope for help from the Arab countries. This opinion was expressed in an interview with Lente.ru by Abbaz Osmayev, Doctor of Historical Sciences, author of books and scientific publications on the recent history of Chechnya.
“The direction towards religion was not contested at that time. After all, they fought under the banner of Islam, declared jihad – a holy war. It was impossible to criticize the chosen course, ”he said.
He also recalled that during the period when Chechnya was ruled by Zelimkhan Yandarbiev, Sharia courts were introduced. Their decisions were based on the Sudanese criminal code. At the same time, the first such courts arose in the course of hostilities in the territories controlled by the militants, said the source of Lenta.ru.
“Even then, for the use of alcoholic beverages they began to punish with canes. On the one hand, it was a tribute to the mood that prevailed in the republic. On the other hand, the then authorities hoped that the Arab countries would appreciate the innovations and provide assistance, ”Osmayev said.
According to him, such hopes of the militants were groundless, since “not a single Arab republic will agree to spoil relations with Russia because of any part of it, no matter how it is called.”
In 1994, the first Chechen campaign began in Chechnya, the main goal of which was to regain Moscow’s control over the territory of the republic. The war ended in August 1996 with the signing of the Khasavyurt agreements, as a result of which the region remained under the control of the militants. In 1999, the second Chechen campaign began; its active phase lasted until the spring of 2000. The conflict ended completely in 2009.