A Unique Exhibition "Paradise Gardens: The Art of Russian Islam" Opens at KazanForum
A Unique Exhibition "Paradise Gardens: The Art of Russian Islam" Opens at KazanForum
12 May
On May 12, the National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan opened the exhibition "Paradise Gardens: The Art of Russian Islam" as part of the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2026". This large-scale project brings together historical artifacts and contemporary works by artists from Tatarstan, Dagestan, Bashkortostan, and Crimea. The exhibition is open to the public until September 29. Admission is free with a Forum badge.
Among the honored guests of the event were Director-General of ICESCO Dr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan Irada Ayupova, Assistant to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, and Deputy Chairman of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia – Islamic World” Marat Gatin.
Director-General of ICESCO Dr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik highlighted the importance of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2026.
"Kazan speaks of culture. Its streets radiate elegance. Its architecture reflects refinement and artistic sensitivity. It is a museum that preserves memory with dignity and care. Guests feel the warmth of heritage from the very first moment they step into this remarkable city," noted the Director-General of ICESCO.
Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan Irada Ayupova noted the importance of the cultural component in shaping the value orientations of future generations. Director-General of the National Museum of Tatarstan Airat Faizrakhmanov also spoke at the exhibition.
The Exhibition display is divided into six thematic zones that reflect the role of the garden in Islamic culture and demonstrate a strong unity of tradition and innovation. Here, ancient manuscripts, household items, and adornments sit alongside contemporary installations, floral arrangements, and art objects.
The Exhibition curators noted that the Exhibition allows visitors, for the first time, to see the Islamic art of Russia as a cohesive whole, uniting different regions. Such an approach helps to understand the richness and diversity of traditional cultures, as well as the influence of contemporary artists on the development of this unique sphere.
Among the honored guests of the event were Director-General of ICESCO Dr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan Irada Ayupova, Assistant to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, and Deputy Chairman of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia – Islamic World” Marat Gatin.
Director-General of ICESCO Dr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik highlighted the importance of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2026.
"Kazan speaks of culture. Its streets radiate elegance. Its architecture reflects refinement and artistic sensitivity. It is a museum that preserves memory with dignity and care. Guests feel the warmth of heritage from the very first moment they step into this remarkable city," noted the Director-General of ICESCO.
Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan Irada Ayupova noted the importance of the cultural component in shaping the value orientations of future generations. Director-General of the National Museum of Tatarstan Airat Faizrakhmanov also spoke at the exhibition.
The Exhibition display is divided into six thematic zones that reflect the role of the garden in Islamic culture and demonstrate a strong unity of tradition and innovation. Here, ancient manuscripts, household items, and adornments sit alongside contemporary installations, floral arrangements, and art objects.
The Exhibition curators noted that the Exhibition allows visitors, for the first time, to see the Islamic art of Russia as a cohesive whole, uniting different regions. Such an approach helps to understand the richness and diversity of traditional cultures, as well as the influence of contemporary artists on the development of this unique sphere.
Photo Gallery from the Event
