Allah al-Akbar
A Contemporary Masterpiece Created in Honour of the Divine Name.
Work in Progress.
A work currently in production in the artist’s studio in Odesa.
This page documents the ongoing creation of a major work from the Ashes of War series. It brings together a live production timeline, technical documentation, process photography, and supporting materials, forming a complete record of the work as it advances toward completion.
About This Page
This is not a conventional artwork presentation.
It is a live project record.
Its purpose is to preserve the chronology of the work’s creation, to document its technical evolution, and to present the materials that accompany its development under wartime conditions.
Each stage shown here reflects actual progress in the artist’s studio in Odesa.
Context
This work is being created in Odesa, Ukraine, during an ongoing war.
Production has been affected by power outages and damage to infrastructure, requiring continuous adaptation of the working process.
Despite these conditions, the work continues to advance.
Sergey Melnikoff demonstrates the central section of the inscription “Allah al-Akbar”.
When Art Becomes an Act of Devotion
Some works of art carry more than beauty.
Some become a bridge to the Eternal.
They reflect the light of faith at moments when the world is overshadowed by darkness.
Allah al-Akbar is one such work — created at the intersection of spirituality, craftsmanship, and humanitarian purpose.
It is not merely an artwork.
It is an offering.
A visual expression of reverence for the greatness of the Almighty.
The Seven Rays: A Cosmic and Spiritual Cipher
At the foundation of the work lies the artist’s signature method — the Ashes of War technique. Sections of 30 mm cannon casings, metal that has absorbed the heat of conflict, are transformed into seven radiant lines extending from the centre, like the spokes of a celestial wheel.
The choice of seven is deliberate and symbolic. In Islamic tradition, the number carries profound spiritual meaning:
— the seven heavens;
— the seven earths;
— the seven verses of Surah al-Fātiha;
— the seven stones cast during Hajj;
— the seven circuits around the Kaaba;
— the seven gates of Paradise described in the hadith.
Seven is a number of harmony, completion, and divine order.
The geometry of Allah al-Akbar is therefore not merely formal.
It is an invocation.
The seven rays become a silent prayer embedded in metal — a gesture towards peace, unity, and spiritual continuity.
Project at a Glance
Welding and structural assembly.
Selection of fragments for the calligraphic inscription.
Structural assembly of the central composition.
The finished inner frame before being electroplated with 999.9 gold.
Work in progress in the artist’s studio in Odesa.
Custom Museum-Grade Display Cassette for “Allah al-Akbar”.
- Allah al-Akbar — Visual Narrative →
(under development)
“Allah al-Akbar”. The construction principle of the artwork.
The Arabic inscription “Allāhu Akbar” (الله أكبر) used in this work follows a canonically correct form of writing approved by a Sharia council. The artistic composition and method of execution constitute an authorial interpretation and do not affect the meaning or theological integrity of the text.
Work on the outer frame began on April 21.
Project Overview
Technical Specifications
Medium
Mixed metal (artillery fragments)
Technique
Ashes of War
Materials
Original battlefield fragments
Dimensions
95 × 95 × 20 cm (37½ × 37½ × 7⅞ in)
Estimated weight
15–20 kg
Planned finish
Gold (999.9) and nickel electroplating
Purpose
Charitable sale
Status
Status
In progress
Started
November 2025
Current phase
Frame assembly
Completed
Inscription and central structure
Estimated completion
May 2026
Location
Odesa, Ukraine
Progress
[✔] Concept Development
[✔] Calligraphic Inscription
[✔] Central Composition
[➤] Frame Assembly (current)
[ ] Ornament
[ ] Electroplating
[ ] Final Completion
Latest update
As of 21 April 2026, the central section has been completed, and assembly of the double frame is underway.
Provenance:
Held by The Soul of Ukraine Foundation, Inc. since its creation.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENT
Personal Statement of Position
Sergey Melnikoff (MFF)
20 December 2025
Odesa, Ukraine
Statement (excerpt)
I affirm that this artwork is created from fragments of artillery shells and mortar rounds collected in Ukraine. On the night of 19 December 2025, the artist’s studio in Odesa sustained significant damage as a result of a Russian Shahed drone strike.
Official document (PDF)
SUPPORTING DOCUMENT
The Council of Chechen Elders
in European Countries
Ziyavdi-Haji Beloev
Chairman (Tamada), CCEE
27 December 2025
An Official Appeal (excerpt)
We, the Chechen Elders residing in European countries, address you with an important request for assistance and support for the master photojournalist and sculptor Sergey Melnikoff (MFF).
Official document (PDF)
SUPPORTING DOCUMENT
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Chechen Republic of Ichkeria
Inal Sharip
Minister of Foreign Affairs, CRI
19 November 2025
London, Great Britain
Official Correspondence (excerpt)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria expresses its respect and gratitude for the presentation of the artwork Allah al-Akbar.
Official document (PDF)
SUPPORTING DOCUMENT
Cabinet of Ministers
Chechen Republic of Ichkeria
Mayrbek Taramov
Human Rights Adviser,
Government of the CRI
4 December 2025
Stockholm, Sweden
Statement of Support (excerpt)
On behalf of the Human Rights Adviser to the Government of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, I express sincere support for the creation of the proclamation Allah al-Akbar.
Official document (PDF)
Context of the Artist’s Position
Sergey Melnikoff is not an outside observer.
His life has placed him at the intersection of cultures, religions, and nations.
As the founder of the Soul of Ukraine, an international charitable foundation, he has devoted decades to humanitarian and intercultural initiatives grounded in human dignity and spiritual unity.
He has been awarded the highest order of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, Qoman Turpal, and the title of National Hero. By decree of Prime Minister Akhmed Zakayev, he represents the Chechen nation at international forums. He serves as a member of the Council of Chechen Elders in Europe and as Honorary Consul of Ichkeria in the United States.
An American artist of Ukrainian Cossack lineage, he has received the highest distinctions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from Patriarch Filaret. His contribution to contemporary art has been recognised by cultural and religious institutions across different countries.
Having endured Soviet prison camps and later stood in solidarity with the peoples of the Caucasus, Melnikoff has become a bridge between Christian and Muslim civilisations.
This position allows him to engage with the artistic language of the East and to approach the sacred words of the Qur’an with respect and reverence.