Serpukhov, Russia, is preparing for Kurban Bayram celebrations this Friday, June 6th, with approximately 2,500 Muslims expected to attend morning prayers at a designated car parking lot. The location, situated on Kaluzhskaya Street opposite building number 128, has sparked concerns among some local residents.

The city administration allocated the site for the religious observance, which will take place from 7 to 9 a.m. Traffic restrictions will be in effect on Kaluzhsky Proezd and Bezymyanny Pereulok during the prayer and for an hour before and after.

While Serpukhov has three mosques, residents report they are too small to accommodate the large number of worshippers expected for the holiday. The car park on Kaluzhsky Proezd has been used for Kurban Bayram morning prayers for a decade.

Some residents object to the location, citing its proximity to the Vysotsky Zachatievsky Monastery and arguing that the site’s designated purpose is for parking and driving school activities, not religious rituals. Activists claim the event could impede access to essential services and infrastructure.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential for animal slaughter, a traditional practice during Kurban Bayram. Residents are worried that rams will be slaughtered at the car parking lot, despite the absence of designated animal slaughtering sites in Serpukhov. They have requested assurances that no such activity will occur, citing violations of veterinary and sanitary rules.

Supporters of the prayer gathering emphasize Russia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious identity and stress the importance of respecting Muslim traditions. Some residents have pointed out the peaceful coexistence of religious groups in other areas, such as Moscow, where a church stands near the central mosque.