On August 28, a delegation from Egypt’s Al-Azhar University, led by Rector Salama Dawood, visited the Bolgar Islamic Academy. The group included Vice-Rector Mahmoud Hassan Abdelnabi, Director of International Cooperation and Education Quality Yasser Helmy, Coordinator for International Cooperation between Al-Azhar University and Russia Amr Bassiouny, Dean of the Engineering Faculty and Advisor on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Mohamed Galal Farghaly, and Sheikh Al-Azhar’s Advisor on Cultural and Scientific Affairs Abdeldayem Mohamed Abdelrahman. The guests were welcomed by the Academy’s rector, Farhat Husnutdinov.
The visitors learned about the Academy’s mission to preserve and promote the rich theological heritage of Russian Muslims and explored its academic strengths, faculty, and international partnerships. Husnutdinov highlighted that the Academy stands as the foremost institution of Islamic education in Russia, boasting modern facilities and a highly qualified teaching staff.
“We actively strengthen and broaden our cooperation with Islamic centers and universities worldwide. Our collaboration with Egypt and Al-Azhar, in particular, is deep and multifaceted. Professors from Al-Azhar regularly participate in our international conferences, hold open lectures, and provide scholarly guidance. Many Russian students trained at Al-Azhar are now studying here, which helps deepen cultural and professional bonds between our countries,” Husnutdinov said.
He recalled distinguished visitors from Al-Azhar, including notable scholars and community leaders, praising the ongoing robust partnership. “We aim to continue expanding joint projects, exchanges, and research, and look forward to formalizing these efforts through memorandums and agreements.”
Praising Egyptian universities and religious centers for their dedication to preserving spiritual traditions, Husnutdinov expressed hope that the Bolgar Academy would play a key role in strengthening Russian-Egyptian ties in education and science, in line with the shared vision of their governments.
In turn, Al-Azhar’s Rector Salama Dawood praised the Academy’s high academic standards, cultural outreach, and international engagement. “We are excited about signing a cooperation memorandum soon. It is an honor to partner with a unique Russian institution that carefully preserves and develops Islamic theology. We look forward to growing our collaboration in education, science, and culture,” he said.
During their visit, the delegation also toured the Bolgar State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve, admiring rare examples of 13th-14th century Muslim architecture, the northernmost landmarks of medieval Islamic art.
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Photo in slider: BIA
Based on materials from the BIA Press Service