The Year "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" was officially launched at the KazanForum.
The Year "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" was officially launched at the KazanForum.
16 May
The opening ceremony of the Year "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" took place on May 14, 2026.
Among the distinguished guests were Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, and Dr. Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
Speaking at the reception, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin emphasized the significance of the event. He noted that the recognition of Kazan as the capital of the Islamic world in 2026 is a great achievement for both the city and all of Tatarstan.
The head of ICESCO Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al Malik, who founded Kazan with a special poetic spirit, compared the city to a poem that has woven its meaning through the centuries. He drew attention to its unique blend of cultural elements: Kazan, he said, stands where a river flows like an ancient melody, and where minarets rise in perfect harmony alongside Orthodox domes. The Director-General also recalled that it was from Kazan that printed editions of the Quran first reached Russia - historic copies of which are preserved in the city to this day.
On the evening of May 15, 2026, the Galiasgar Kamal Theater hosted a gala concert, concert "Night of Unity and Devotion: Voices of the Heart", directed by Hans-Joachim Frey. The program included opera, classical, and national music from various countries. Performers from Russia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Palestine, Jordan, Armenia, Egypt, Turkey, Cameroon, and the UAE performed.
The opening of the Year "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" highlights the city's special role as a center for dialogue between cultures and civilizations, uniting the traditions of the East and West.
Among the distinguished guests were Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, and Dr. Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
Speaking at the reception, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin emphasized the significance of the event. He noted that the recognition of Kazan as the capital of the Islamic world in 2026 is a great achievement for both the city and all of Tatarstan.
The head of ICESCO Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al Malik, who founded Kazan with a special poetic spirit, compared the city to a poem that has woven its meaning through the centuries. He drew attention to its unique blend of cultural elements: Kazan, he said, stands where a river flows like an ancient melody, and where minarets rise in perfect harmony alongside Orthodox domes. The Director-General also recalled that it was from Kazan that printed editions of the Quran first reached Russia - historic copies of which are preserved in the city to this day.
On the evening of May 15, 2026, the Galiasgar Kamal Theater hosted a gala concert, concert "Night of Unity and Devotion: Voices of the Heart", directed by Hans-Joachim Frey. The program included opera, classical, and national music from various countries. Performers from Russia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Palestine, Jordan, Armenia, Egypt, Turkey, Cameroon, and the UAE performed.
The opening of the Year "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" highlights the city's special role as a center for dialogue between cultures and civilizations, uniting the traditions of the East and West.
