The “Ramzan Kadyrov Quarter” project near Irkutsk, envisioned as a “Little Chechnya,” remains unfinished, with only four townhouses completed out of the originally planned 22. Construction began in 2014, with the first four townhouses finished by May 2016, but the ambitious project has since stalled, leaving a cluttered wasteland where additional homes and amenities were intended.

The project, named after the head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, aimed to create a family-friendly residential area inspired by the improvements in Chechnya. Plans included connecting city utilities, installing video surveillance, providing security, and establishing amenities such as a daycare center, playground, and shops. The developer, Elena Abubakarova, even planned to launch a dedicated bus route.

However, the project faced numerous obstacles, including local residents’ concerns about the name and its association with the Chechen wars, as well as disputes with the developer. A “popular uprising” was reportedly organized against Abubakarova, citing issues related to the naming of the quarter and conflicts with the residents.

Abubakarova faced legal troubles, including accusations of running over a bailiff, although these charges were later dropped. She also recorded a video message to Ramzan Kadyrov, complaining about pressure from local authorities and seeking his assistance.

Despite these challenges, Abubakarova maintains that she intends to complete the project when the time is right. She currently resides in Grozny but envisions the completed quarter as safe and affordable housing, similar to the housing initiatives in Chechnya. She considers the materials on the wasteland not as garbage, but as resources to be used in future construction.