Muslim migrants in the Tatarstan Republic: religious solidarity or social exclusion?

The inflow of migrants from Central Asia to Russian Federation and their accommodation are examined via a specific case of the Republic of Tatarstan with significant numbers of Tatar population historically adhered to Islam and often called 'the Muslim Republic' of Russia. Hypothesis on a greater loyalty and tolerance of ethnic Tatars towards migrant fellow believers, the role of common Turkic and religious identity of local residents and newcomers is explored on a basis of empirical sociological data. It is argued that there is a great similarity in the attitudes of the 'Muslim' (Tatar) and 'Christian' (Russian) population of the republic towards migrants; they are characterized by high degree of negativism and latent xenophobia. The numbers of Tatars with positive and inclusive opinions is small, yet multicultural Tatarstan with local Muslim believers and numerous mosques is taken by migrants from Central Asia as a rather comfortable place to work and stay.