SIMFEROPOL, September 25. /TASS/. Construction of a mosque awaited for 12 years by Crimean Tatars has started in Simferopol, the peninsula’s capital, the republic’s head, Sergey Aksenov, said on Friday.

"The construction of such religious buildings is a symbol of stability and inter-ethnic peace and accord in the Republic of Crimea," he said. "Our key task is to preserve respect for our spiritual and cultural traditions."

Remzi Ilyasov, a deputy head of the Crimean State Council, said earlier the project would be financed by Russia and Turkey.

The building will be able to accommodate around 4,000 worshippers.