On May 17, the traditional celebration in honor of the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria in 922 took place on the ancient land of Bolgar. The event was the concluding part of the XVI All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Leaders and gathered around 25,000 pilgrims, imams, public figures, and guests from various regions of Russia, Belarus, and foreign countries.

Participating in the event was the Mufti of Moscow, Head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, Member of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation for Interaction with Religious Associations, Albir Hazrat Krganov. The opening ceremony was also attended by the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Nurgalievich Minnikhanov, who visited the SAMR (Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia) platform and spoke with representatives of Muslim communities and delegations from various regions of the country.

Exhibition, cultural, and educational spaces, children's play areas, and places for socializing and family recreation were organized at the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia's platform. Fairs featuring national dishes, products of folk craftsmen, paintings, embroidery, books, jewelry, and national costumes were available for guests.

A rich concert and educational program, uniting the traditions, spirituality, and cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia, was also prepared for participants and guests.

Today, “Izge Bolgar Zhyeny” is not only an important religious event but also a large space for the living interaction of generations, where traditional spiritual and moral values, respect for history, culture, and the centuries-old heritage of the peoples of our country are preserved.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

May 15, 2026.  The Head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, Mufti of Moscow Albir Hazrat Krganov, is taking part in its work. The central topic of discussion at the Kazan IT Park named after Bashir Rameyev was shared values as the foundation for cooperation and mutual understanding between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world. Before the start of the proceedings, Mufti of Tatarstan Kamil Hazrat Samigullin recited a prayer from the Holy Quran.

Greetings to the participants were sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin. His address was read out by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin:

“I welcome the participants and guests of the XVII International Economic Forum ‘Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum’ and the Annual Meeting of the Strategic Vision Group ‘Russia – Islamic World’.

These days, Kazan has brought together Russian and foreign politicians and public figures, scholars and theologians, businesspeople and experts. You are to discuss key issues of economic, humanitarian, and spiritual life, and share experiences of cooperation between Russia and Islamic states, which is based on common values, respect for cultural and civilizational diversity, and a commitment to dialogue and partnership for the sake of a stable and successful future.

For centuries, representatives of different religions and peoples have lived in our country, each preserving their uniqueness and identity. It is symbolic that the Forum is taking place specifically in the Republic of Tatarstan – a dynamically growing Russian region where the traditions of interethnic harmony are cherished.

Islam is one of the world religions widespread in Russia; it is practiced by millions of our citizens who make an important contribution to the development of the domestic economy and science, culture and the social sphere. We strive to deepen friendly relations with all Islamic states. We actively cooperate in the foreign policy arena, jointly implementing promising projects in energy, industry, information technology, construction, agriculture, finance, education, medicine, tourism, and other fields. Russia participates as an observer in the work of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Hospitable Kazan was named the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for this year by this Organisation.

I wish you fruitful discussions and success. I am confident that the forum being held will, as always, be productive and will open up new horizons for mutually beneficial ties between our countries and peoples."

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

May 16, 2026  A large delegation of muftis and imams from centralized Muslim organizations – regional representations under the SAMR, headed by Mufti Albir Hazrat Krganov – is taking part in the Forum. The delegates of the XVI All-Russian Forum “National Identity and Religion” gathered at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre for a plenary session. The event is attended by more than one thousand people from 78 regions of Russia, Belarus, and foreign countries, including UN representative Miguel Ángel Moratinos.

The grand opening of the forum took place with the participation of the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Nurgalievich Minnikhanov, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the National Council of the World Congress of Tatars, Vasil Shaykhraziev. The Mufti of Moscow, Head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, Albir Hazrat Krganov, spoke on the forum’s main stage as a speaker.

The Rais of Tatarstan emphasized the contribution of imams and muftis to preserving the Tatar people, language, and traditions, as well as the importance of open dialogue on current issues.

Following the event, Rustam Minnikhanov presented state awards of Tatarstan to a number of religious leaders and was himself awarded the medal “For Merit to the Ummah of Donbass”.

Later, the discussion platforms of the XVI All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Leaders “National Identity and Religion” commenced at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre.

Delegates are working across five areas:
• “The Current Situation in the Halal Sphere”,
• “Religious and National Education in Mosques and Madrasas”,
• “Old Imla — Our Written Heritage: Modern Methods of Its Study and Teaching”,
• “Identification and Popularization of Spiritual Heritage in Religious Organizations and Educational Institutions”,
• “The Role of Tatar Women in Preserving Religion, National Culture, Native Language, and Family Values”.

Speakers' presentations, discussions, and the exchange of experience will be organized on each topic.

The forum will conclude with the traditional “Izge Bolgar Zhyeny” in ancient Bolgar – a place that holds a special place in the history of Islam in Russia and is a symbol of spiritual unity and the continuity of generations.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

April 22, 2026. The head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, member of the Presidential Council for Cooperation with Religious Associations, and Mufti of Moscow, Albir hazrat Krganov, took part in the official reception organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

Addressing those gathered were the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, and His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

The reception brought together representatives of state authorities, the diplomatic corps, and religious organizations. The format of the event was aimed at strengthening interreligious dialogue and fostering mutual understanding among representatives of different faiths.

Participation in such events reflects the tradition of respectful interaction and cooperation that has developed in Russia between religious communities and the state. These gatherings continue to build a space of trust and dialogue, founded on mutual respect, the preservation of spiritual values, and a commitment to public concord.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

April 24, 2026. An expanded meeting of the Russian State Council Commission on “Culture and Traditional Spiritual and Moral Values” was held in Moscow. The meeting marked the launch of preparations for a State Council session, which will take place during the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia—declared by the President—and will be dedicated to the preservation of the country’s historical and cultural heritage.

Participants in the meeting included Presidential Aide and State Council Secretary Alexei Dyumin, Chair of the State Council Commission on “Culture and Traditional Spiritual and Moral Values” and Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev, Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, as well as representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Federation Council, the State Duma, other federal government bodies, regions, cultural and scientific institutions, and public associations.

Alexei Dyumin stressed that the topic is vast and highly important. In his words, historical and cultural heritage is our national treasure, and issues of its preservation are inseparably linked with strengthening the traditional spiritual and moral values of the peoples of Russia, protecting their identity, ethno-cultural and linguistic diversity, and uniting them in service to the Fatherland. The Presidential Aide noted that the Commission on “Culture and Traditional Spiritual and Moral Values” had carried out preliminary work, which resulted in identifying a number of key focus areas. These include the preservation of cultural heritage sites, small historical towns, historical and documentary heritage, the intangible heritage of the peoples of Russia (folk art, rites, customs, and traditional crafts), as well as preserving historical memory. All of these elements collectively form Russia’s cultural code, and, according to Alexei Dyumin, it is essential to devise solutions that enable not only preservation but also the development and popularization of this culture.

Mikhail Razvozhayev reported on the work of the commission he chairs and on the plans for preparing the State Council session. He spoke of the need to improve legislation in the field of protecting heritage sites and historical settlements, and to resolve the acute shortage of professional restorers.

Olga Lyubimova outlined the tasks of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation in preserving historical and cultural heritage. According to her, the ministry’s activities and those of cultural institutions today are focused on safeguarding the country’s cultural sovereignty and strengthening traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. This work will be continued on a systematic level.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

On April 27, MGIMO University under the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Contours of a New Collective Security Architecture: Topical Issues of CSTO Information-Analytical Partnership," organized by the CSTO Secretariat. The event brought together heads and representatives of international organizations, government bodies, diplomatic missions, as well as leading expert, educational, and research institutions from CSTO, CIS, and SCO member states, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, China, and India.

The plenary session was moderated by Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO University. Opening the session, he stressed that direct dialogue between international organizations and the expert and academic community is a key prerequisite for shaping a new, sustainable collective security architecture in Eurasia.

Speaking at the Expert Working Session "Consolidating Expert Capacities in Eurasia: Formats and Parameters of Cooperation," the Chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, member of the Presidential Council for Cooperation with Religious Associations, and Mufti of Moscow, Albir Hazrat Krganov, noted that the successful implementation of the Greater Eurasian Partnership project requires adequate expert and analytical support. The Issyk-Kul Initiative, adopted in 2025, is aimed at strengthening international cooperation among the expert and academic communities of CSTO member states.

In this regard, Albir Hazrat put forward a number of proposals, in particular on the need to adopt a long-term Strategy for the Development of Information-Analytical Partnership of CSTO Member States as a consolidated strategic planning document. The adoption and implementation of the Strategy would positively impact the quality of partner information-analytical and expert work, enhance the CSTO's standing, and, in the long term, allow the CSTO’s experience to be scaled across the Greater Eurasian space. The Mufti also stressed the importance of building the capacity of new expert cadres in the spirit of the Issyk-Kul Initiative as a flexible state-public system that combines centralized state leadership within the CSTO's jurisdiction with the formation of a unified expert platform based on a network of analytical centers possessing the self-organization potential of network structures of expert and academic communities, independent experts, and public figures.

Hence, close attention must be paid to the development and renewal of the human resources capacity of the expert pool, the training of interdisciplinary personnel with relevant competencies, issues of advanced training and retraining, the formation of a new generation of young experts, and the organization of internships and exchanges of experience among experts from different CSTO countries. Equally relevant is the issue of training expert personnel on religious, including Islamic, topics, as well as ensuring their proper resource support and financial measures to sustain the work of experts.

Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization Taalatbek Masadykov noted that the April conference held under the auspices of the CSTO and partner organizations is becoming a traditional forum. He announced the joint development of a proposal to establish a Eurasian Analytical Platform — a permanent expert dialogue system that leverages modern digital technologies and artificial intelligence to implement joint projects.

Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergei Lebedev drew attention to the growing role of the CIS as a platform for linking integration potentials. He stated that amid the hybridization of threats and the crisis of international law, close coordination of the analytical services of the CSTO, CIS, and SCO is necessary, as is the development of common approaches to the information-analytical support of collective security.

During the plenary session and subsequent events — the working session "Integration Projects in Eurasia: Challenges and Prospects for Cooperation on the Path to Ensuring Collective Security" and the roundtable "The Eurasian Analytical Platform: New Approaches in the New Geopolitical Reality" — key issues of Eurasian security were discussed. The irreversibility of the formation of a polycentric world order and the need to link the capacities of the CSTO, CIS, and SCO to ensure regional stability were noted. Participants emphasized the importance of transitioning from a reactive security model to a cognitive one based on joint expertise, forecasting, and high-quality information-analytical support for decision-making. Particular attention was given to the Eurasian Analytical Platform project as a permanent digital system of dialogue between expert and academic communities and international organizations, the crisis of international security law, the hybridization of threats, and the need for a collective "Grand Strategy" for Eurasia.

As an outcome, an Address of the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Contours of a New Collective Security Architecture: Topical Issues of CSTO Information-Analytical Partnership" to the expert and academic communities of CSTO, CIS, and SCO member states was adopted.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

In Moscow, the Representative Office of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) organized an interview marking the fortieth day since the passing of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The interview with Mufti of Moscow, Head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, and Member of the Presidential Council for Cooperation with Religious Associations, Albir Hazrat Krganov, took place at the residence of the Moscow Muftiate. During the interview, issues related to Ayatollah Khamenei’s role in the development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as his influence on the country’s social and spiritual processes, were addressed.

The conversation was conducted by the Director of the IRIB Representative Office in Moscow, Seyed Ali Darabi. During the discussion, Albir Hazrat demonstrated a profound knowledge of Iran’s history, its cultural and social particularities, a fact noted by the Iranian side.

This material has been prepared in observance of this commemorative date and is dedicated to reflecting on the contributions of this religious and public figure to contemporary history.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

Today, the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia (SAMR) continues the traditions and fulfills functions analogous to those of the Orenburg Mohammedan Spiritual Assembly, studying and preserving its legacy within the context of contemporary realities. The SAMR operates across several key areas:

· Coordination of activities of mosques and imams, ensuring uniform standards of traditional religious practice and maintaining systematic order in the spiritual life of Russia’s Muslims. This aligns with the administrative tradition of the Orenburg Mohammedan Spiritual Assembly, which helped preserve the unity of the Islamic community. However, unlike its predecessor, the SAMR is not a state body, granting it autonomy and greater flexibility in decision-making.
· Continuation of educational traditions. The SAMR not only carries on the tradition of clergy training established over two centuries ago but also participates in adapting curricula to modern requirements, keeping Islamic knowledge relevant for Muslim youth.
· Fostering interreligious dialogue. In Russia’s multinational society, the SAMR continues the policy established by the Orenburg Assembly, strengthening ties with representatives of other faiths and maintaining good-neighborly relations with them. Modern SAMR initiatives include co-organizing public events, collaborating on charitable and social projects, providing spiritual support to military personnel participating in the Special Military Operation and their families, as well as participating in conferences and roundtables aimed at reinforcing unity and sustaining intercultural dialogue.

The SAMR’s contemporary efforts to preserve the legacy of the Orenburg Mohammedan Spiritual Assembly also encompass several additional aspects:

· Research and publication of archival materials, organizing their study and dissemination. This helps preserve the memory of the Orenburg Assembly’s significant role in the history of Russia’s Muslim community and ensures continuity of tradition.
· Cultural projects and support of historical memory. The SAMR organizes events to educate the public about the history of Russia’s Muslims, including conferences, exhibitions, and scholarly research. A key objective is the transmission of knowledge about this rich cultural heritage to the younger generation, thereby strengthening the identity of the Muslim community in Russia.
· Adaptation of heritage to modern conditions. The SAMR actively addresses issues related to adapting Islamic traditions to contemporary circumstances, continuing the Orenburg Assembly’s trajectory in matters of social and cultural integration of the Muslim community.

All this meticulous, daily work culminates in a single goal: to ensure that the younger generation develops a correct understanding of our country’s history, the role of Islam in shaping traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, and the importance of Muslim organizations’ efforts to unify Russian society and strengthen mutual understanding among representatives of traditional faiths in our nation.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

On April 6, a meeting of the leadership of the "Russia - Islamic World" Strategic Vision Group with ambassadors of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation took place at the Reception House of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The event was attended by the Head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, Mufti of Moscow, and member of the Presidential Council of the Russian Federation for Interaction with Religious Associations, Albir Hazrat Krganov.
The participants were addressed with welcoming remarks by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Marat Shakirzyanovich Khusnullin, and Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the "Russia - Islamic World" Strategic Vision Group Rustam Nurgalievich Minnikhanov.
During the meeting, the outcomes of the Group's activities for 2025 were reviewed, and key areas of work for the current period were outlined, including preparations for international events scheduled for May in Kazan.
Among the participants were representatives of state authorities, the diplomatic corps, and public institutions. Also attending the event were Chief of Staff of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia Ilsur Ramilovich Garifyanov and Assistant to the Mufti, Imam-Khatib Ilnur Ismagilovich Gainutdinov.
Sergey Lavrov emphasized the significant role of the Group in developing cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world, highlighting the potential for collaboration in the spheres of culture, education, and science, as well as active contacts between clergy and public organizations.
Rustam Minnikhanov announced that an international media forum for representatives of OIC countries is planned as part of the 2026 forum. The main topic of discussion will be the technological challenges facing journalism, including in the countries of the Global South.
According to Marat Khusnullin, the business program of the forum will include issues of construction and post-conflict reconstruction of territories, as well as the development of the "North – South" and "West – East" international transport corridors.
Head of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency, Taliya Minnullina, noted that a congress of OIC culture ministers will take place within the framework of the forum. Additionally, an opening ceremony for the year of "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" will be held. Participation in the event has already been confirmed by representatives of several countries.
Special attention was paid to the development of interreligious dialogue and interaction with the countries of the Islamic world within the framework of international humanitarian and public initiatives.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

March 21, 2026

From early morning today, believers gathered for the collective festive prayer at the Interreligious Cultural, Educational and Spiritual Center in Kommunarka, Moscow. The head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia (SAMR) and Mufti of Moscow, Albir Hazrat Krganov, led the festive service via a live online broadcast, delivering a heartfelt sermon in honor of the blessed holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

Greetings were read out on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin. Congratulations to the Muslims were also extended by ambassadors of Islamic countries, regional heads, muftis from across Russia and abroad, as well as public and political figures. The Mufti expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the head of state and to all those who extended their congratulations, and also thanked the Moscow authorities for their special attention to addressing the concerns of the capital’s Muslim community.

At the same time, at another venue in Sokolniki Park, a collective festive prayer was held in honor of Eid al-Fitr. Addressing the worshippers with a festive sermon was the Assistant to the Mufti of the SAMR and Imam-Khatib of the “Moscow Muftiate,” Ilnur Hazrat Gainutdinov, who praised Almighty Allah and conveyed congratulations on the blessed holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Ilnur Hazrat also relayed to those gathered words of congratulations from the head of the SAMR and Mufti of Moscow, Albir Hazrat Krganov, as well as from the country’s leadership, heads of government bodies and regions, muftis of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and public, religious, and political figures.

The organizer of these events was the Centralized Religious Organization “Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Moscow and the Central Region ‘Moscow Muftiate.’”

Thanks to the organizational work of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Moscow and the Central Region “Moscow Muftiate,” as well as the support of the Moscow Government and law enforcement agencies, the large-scale religious events proceeded peacefully and without incident.

Live online broadcasts of the festive services were organized for believers across all information platforms of the SAMR.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

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