All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Leaders Takes Place in Kazan

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