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

Here is a professional, precise English translation of the news article, suitable for a website and preserving the full meaning of the original text.

The head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia (SAMR) and Mufti of Moscow, Albir Krganov, has announced the SAMR-developed project for the development of Islamic religious tourism called "Sacred Path," which will enable the creation of themed routes across 34 regions of the Russian Federation. His words were reported to TASS by the SAMR press service.

"The Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia has prepared a concept project for the tourism initiative 'Izge Sukmak' ('Sacred Path'). It provides a framework for developing new routes for Muslim pilgrimage and cultural-educational tourism, taking into account the hospitality standards required by Islamic canon. Based on this concept project, over 20 routes across 34 regions of Russia can be developed, which may be of interest both to our citizens and to Muslims coming to our country from abroad — a particularly relevant point given the large flow of tourists from Arab countries," said the Mufti during a meeting of the Commission on Religious Associations under the Government of the Russian Federation.

According to him, Islamic religious tourism "is a new phenomenon for our country," yet many constituent entities of the Russian Federation are home to "magnificent Muslim shrines and memorial sites associated with historical figures." These include the ancient Bolgar Complex and the Kul-Sharif Mosque in the Republic of Tatarstan, the "Heart of Chechnya" Mosque in Grozny, the historic Juma Mosque in Derbent and the Kureishit settlement in Dagestan, as well as other sites.

Krganov also addressed Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, requesting that he instruct the Ministry of Economic Development to review the developed concept project and provide support for its implementation.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

January 21, 2026

January 29, 2026, a roundtable discussion titled "Developing a Modern Socio-State Model for Raising Citizens and Patriots" was held at the Federation Council as part of the XXXIV International Christmas Educational Readings. The head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia (SAMR) and Mufti of Moscow, Albir Hazrat Krganov, delivered a report at the event.

Opening his address, Albir Hazrat noted the relevance of the stated topic and emphasized that Russia's stability and future directly depend on the upbringing of the younger generation and on reliance upon the country's own cultural and civilizational foundations of development.

"Russia's stability and future directly depend on the upbringing of the younger generation and on a broad reliance upon our own cultural and civilizational foundations of development," he stated.

Speaking about the socio-state model of education, the Mufti stressed the importance of forming a unified conceptual framework for interaction among key societal institutions — the state, the education system, religious organizations, and the family. In this context, he highlighted the significance of the family as a foundational institution of upbringing, a role enshrined in the current Family Code of the Russian Federation.

"We need an ideology, a doctrine, and a strategy for the coordinated activities of such fundamental societal institutions as the State, the School, the Church, and the Family," emphasized Albir Hazrat.

Particular attention in his address was given to the role of traditional religions, including Islam, in the system of human and civic education. The head of the SAMR noted that Islam in Russia has deep historical roots and is organically integrated into the country's spiritual, moral, and cultural space.

"Islam in Russia has organically become part of societal life, and its spiritual, moral, cultural, and intellectual potential has served and continues to serve the strengthening of societal unity and cohesion, and the strengthening of Russian statehood," he noted.

A separate part of the address was dedicated to contemporary challenges and the conditions surrounding the Special Military Operation. In this context, Albir Hazrat emphasized that the spiritual and moral potential of Islam helps instill a high sense of patriotism, responsibility, and loyalty to the Fatherland among citizens.

"The spiritual and moral potential of Islam is aimed at fostering a high sense of patriotism and ensures that values such as patriotism, civic duty, military duty, and honor are embedded in the spiritual foundation of military service to contemporary Russia," declared the Mufti.

The head of the SAMR also noted the active social and volunteer work of Muslim communities aimed at supporting military personnel and their families, stressing that such efforts constitute an important part of civic and patriotic education for youth.

During the discussion, the topic of coordinating efforts between the state, public, and religious institutions in the sphere of educational policy was also raised. In this regard, the significance of a systematic approach, being developed at the federal level with the participation of Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, who oversees domestic policy and the coordination of public initiatives, was highlighted.

Concluding his address, Albir Hazrat expressed confidence that further development of cooperation between state, religious, and public institutions will make it possible to build an effective model of personality formation based on traditional values, responsibility, and service to the Fatherland.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

A festive iftar (breaking of the fast) took place at the residence of the Moscow Muftiate of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, marking the holy month of Ramadan. The event was part of the educational charitable iftars held annually at the Moscow Muftiate with the blessing of Mufti of Moscow, Head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, Albir hazrat Krganov. This year’s gatherings are dedicated to the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

The evening iftar was attended by public and political figures, representatives of the business sector, youth and student associations, and respected elders.

The distinguished guests of the iftar included representatives of the State of Qatar — Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to the Russian Federation Ahmed Nasser Al-Thani and the Assistant Military Attaché of the Qatari Embassy, Captain Ahmad Isa H. E. Al-Maslamani. Together with Mufti of Moscow Albir hazrat Krganov, parishioners, and guests of the evening, they performed the evening prayer (Maghrib), after which the participants gathered for the communal iftar meal.

During the discussions, the parties also addressed matters related to the development of Muslim infrastructure in the capital, including prospects for constructing a new mosque in the Kommunarka district. The participants exchanged words of gratitude for the long-standing cooperation in implementing charitable initiatives and youth projects aimed at strengthening spiritual and moral values.

Each day during the holy month of Ramadan, over 200 people gather at the Moscow Muftiate for the evening iftar. Among the participants are students from various countries, residents of the capital, families with children, men and women, as well as respected elders.

Before the meal, Mufti Albir hazrat addresses the attendees daily with spiritual guidance and sermons, reminding them of the significance of Ramadan. The holy month of Ramadan has long united people around the values of mercy, mutual respect, and spiritual unity.

Press Service of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful!

With deep pain in our hearts and sorrow in our souls on behalf of the Muslims of Russia, we receive the news of the tragic events unfolding on the land of Iran and neighboring countries. In these blessed days of the holy month of Ramadan, when the Muslim community is engaged in fasting, prayer, repentance, mercy, and the pursuit of the pleasure of the Almighty, it is especially bitter to witness the shedding of blood, the death of innocent people, the suffering of women, children, and the elderly, the destruction of peaceful life, and the sowing of fear, enmity, and discord. Truly, Ramadan is a time of mercy, forgiveness, and peace, not a time of violence, aggression, and killing.

On behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, we express our decisive condemnation of the attack on the sovereign state of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the killing of its leaders, the death of civilians, and the strikes on civilian facilities, including places that should be havens of safety, knowledge, and protection for children. Particular pain is caused by reports of the deaths of children, women, and other innocent people whose lives were cut short unjustly and with inhuman cruelty. This cannot but shock the heart of every believer, for the Almighty has made human life a great sanctity, and the killing of an innocent person is among the gravest of sins.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘un

ِ نَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

(To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return)

We express our sincere and deep condolences to the families of the victims, to the entire people of Iran, to all those who today mourn their loved ones, and we ask the Almighty Allah to grant His mercy to the deceased, to forgive them, to receive their souls with compassion, to heal the wounded, to strengthen the hearts of the grieving, and to bestow patience upon those undergoing this most severe trial. We pray to Allah that He protects the people of Iran from further calamities, averts the threat of a major war, safeguards innocent people, and grants security to the entire region.

We are convinced that aggression against a sovereign state, the killing of people, the destruction of civilian life, and the violation of international law cannot be justified; likewise, the targeting of weapons from Tehran against neighboring countries in the Arab world is unacceptable. Such actions inevitably lead to further escalation, increased suffering, and the spread of enmity.

We pray to the Almighty that the leaders of the monotheistic nations demonstrate wisdom, sabr (patience), and fraternal responsibility, maintain mutual understanding, and do not allow a new discord to be ignited among the peoples of the Islamic world, despite the insidious plots, provocations, and efforts of third parties to pit Muslims against one another. Russia, for its part, has consistently striven and continues to strive to support Sunni‑Shia dialogue, inter‑Muslim accord, and the unity of the ummah in the face of trials, divisions, and external threats.

In these holy days of Ramadan, we call upon all Muslims, all people of faith and good conscience — to offer sincere prayers for peace, for the protection of the innocent, for an end to bloodshed, and for the triumph of justice. May the Almighty Allah preserve humanity from discord and new tragedies, grant His help to the oppressed, His mercy to the deceased, and His peace to those whose hearts are overcome with sorrow.

 Presidium of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia

https://dsmr.ru/7236-zayavlenie-prezidiuma-dukhovnogo-sobraniya-musulman-rossii.html

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Respected muftis, mukhtasibs, imams of mosques and parishes, madrasa teachers, dear brothers and sisters!

On behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia and on my own behalf, I cordially congratulate you on the advent of Ramadan — the month of mercy, purification, and spiritual elevation. 

The blessed month of Ramadan enters our lives not merely as another date on the calendar, but as a special time in which a person is granted the opportunity to pause, to look into the depths of their own soul, and to hear what, amid the daily hustle, is drowned out by the noise of worries and anxieties. It is a month when the outside world remains the same, but within the believer a quiet, profound transformation and illumination begins.

Fasting is prescribed for us not for the sake of deprivation nor for trials in themselves. The Holy Quran says: “O you who have believed! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become God-fearing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

In these words lies a meaning that cannot be exhausted by a single explanation. God-fearing (taqwa) is not fear of punishment, but the awareness of the Creator’s constant presence in every moment of our lives; it is an inner support through which a person restrains themselves from injustice, from harshness, from empty words and hasty decisions. For He is the One who sees you, even if you do not see Him!

Ramadan is the month of the Quran, the month when the Revealed Word should resound not only in mosques but also in our actions, in our relationships, in our treatment of parents, children, neighbors, and those in need of support. During this time, one understands with particular clarity that a person’s true wealth lies not in accumulated property nor in social status, but in the purity of intention and sincerity before the Creator.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) warned that there are people who gain nothing from their fast but hunger and thirst. This is a serious reminder for each of us: fasting is not only abstinence of the body, but also purification of the heart; not only refraining from food, but also refraining from slander, irritation, and arrogance. If the tongue is not restrained, if the heart is filled with malice or envy, then the external form of worship loses its depth.

Ramadan teaches us patience — not a passive patience, but an active one, which gives rise to mercy and encourages good deeds. It cultivates in us responsibility — before the Lord of the worlds, before our families, before society. It is a month when a small good deed can become great, and a sincere word can support someone who has almost lost hope.

In these blessed days of fasting, let us strive to be more attentive to those around us; let us support families facing hardship; let us strengthen the unity and solidarity of our communities; let us fill mosques not only with our presence but with active participation, a desire for knowledge, and service.

May the Almighty strengthen us in sincerity, grant us steadfastness in trials, purify our hearts from all that is superficial, and fill them with the light of faith. May each day of Ramadan become for us a step toward inner renewal, spiritual elevation, reconciliation with people, and drawing closer to the pleasure of the Creator.

May this month be a time after which we emerge transformed — wiser, more patient, more compassionate, and more responsible toward our faith and our homeland.

With respect and good prayers,

Mufti of Moscow,

Head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia,

Albir Hazrat Krganov