Solemn reception marking the opening of the Year “Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World” and the XVII International Economic Forum “Russia-the Islamic World: KazanForum” takes place at the Kazan Expo

On May 14, the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre hosted a solemn reception marking the opening of the Year “Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World” and the holding of the XVII International Economic Forum “Russia-the Islamic World: KazanForum”.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin, Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, Director General of the Islamic World, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik and other officials were among the honored guests of the evening.

On behalf of Russian Government and on his own behalf Marat Khusnullin congratulated everyone on the recognition of Kazan as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2026.

 “The recognition of Kazan as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2026 is a great achievement both for our beloved Kazan and for Tatarstan. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that Russia has always treated traditional Islamic values with great respect. Today, the recognition of Kazan as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World confirms this once again. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this work—our guests and organizers, Rustam Minnikhanov and Minister of Culture of Russia Olga Lyubimova, as well as all ministers of culture involved in organizing this event. I hope that KazanForum will become both a useful and enjoyable venue for you and will make a significant contribution to the development of the culture of our country,” he said.

In his welcoming speech, ICESCO Director General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik emphasized that Kazan became the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2026 because culture here exists beyond museums and theaters.

“Whenever Kazan is mentioned, the city appears like a poem carried through the centuries. Kazan stands where the river flows like an ancient melody, and minarets harmoniously coexist alongside Orthodox domes. Printed editions of the Quran first came to Russia from Kazan. These historic copies are still preserved here,” he said.

The Director General of ICESCO also referred to prominent cultural figures such as Tatar poet Gabdulla Tukay, who gave his people a unique identity, scholar and educator Kayum Nasyri, and composer Sofia Gubaydullina.

“Among the stories preserved about Kazan is the beautiful legend of Lake Kaban. In Kazan, culture lives beyond museums and theaters. That is why Kazan is the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2026. This is a time when culture exists beyond space and time. Great cities live through spirit, not only through stone, and Kazan preserves a spirit that remains alive in memory and imagination. Kazan speaks through culture. Long live Kazan, long live the Republic of Tatarstan! May friendship between the Islamic world and Russia continue to grow from generation to generation,” Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik emphasized.

The Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov began his speech by welcoming State Counsellor of Tatarstan and first President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, who was also among the honored guests of the reception.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the leadership of the Russian Federation—President Vladimir Putin, Russian Government headed by Mikhail Mishustin, as well as Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of KazanForum Marat Khusnullin.

“Without strong federal support, we would not have been able to hold an event of such scale. Thank you to all of them—and applause!” he said.

“But most importantly, applause to you, our guests. Thank you very much!” Minnikhanov addressed the participants of the reception.

The event continued with a cultural programme featuring performances by leading artists and performers of Tatarstan.