On October 15, an online meeting was held between representatives of the Bolgar Islamic Academy, represented by Rector Farhat Khusnutdinov, Vice-Rector for Educational Activities Rustem Gilmutdinov and Acting Vice-Rector for Research Ainur Sultanov and Al-Azhar University, represented by Rector Salama Dawood, Vice-Rector for Research Mahmoud Siddique, Head of the International Cooperation Department Muhammad Mansur, and Director of the International Development Center Office Yasser Hilmi. Marat Gatin, Assistant to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia - Islamic World”, also participated in the discussion.
As a reminder, during a visit by the Al-Azhar University delegation in August to Kazan, the Bolgar Islamic Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Al-Azhar University in the presence of the Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education, Valery Falkov, and the Rais of Tatarstan, Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia - Islamic World” Rustam Minnikhanov. At that time, both parties expressed interest in continuing cooperation to promote Islamic knowledge and strengthen the Muslim education system.
During the online meeting, a detailed discussion of the roadmap for cooperation between the Bolgar Islamic Academy and Al-Azhar University took place. Salama Dawoud, Rector of the Egyptian university, identified online lectures by faculty members from the Council of Senior Scholars, student exchanges, the publication of research papers by Academy faculty and students in Al-Azhar journals, and joint supervision of master's and doctoral dissertations as key areas of cooperation.
"We have prepared a list of recommended academic journals where faculty and students of the Bolgar Islamic Academy can publish their research. Regarding the teaching of tahqiq, we have also selected faculty who will be able to deepen their knowledge in the study and interpretation of Islamic heritage," noted Salama Dawood.
The Rector of Al-Azhar University noted the high level of research by the master's and doctoral students and the relevance of the chosen topics. He also proposed beginning the course with his own introductory lecture, which would serve as an introduction to the online course's topics. The Academy's Acting Vice-Rector for Research, Ainur Sultanov, agreed with his proposal and offered to deliver this lecture to students at all Muslim educational institutions in Russia.
"I am confident that the lecture by the esteemed Salama Dawood will be a significant event and will serve as an incentive for our students to study Islamic sciences," the acting vice-rector emphasized.
The Academy proposed including the rector of Al-Azhar University in the emerging expert scientific council.
Marat Gatin expressed hope for the speedy implementation of the August cooperation agreement and announced a visit by a Russian delegation to Cairo at the end of November.
"I hope we can discuss plans for 2026 on the sidelines of the conference. During visit, I would like to meet with the Secretary-General of Muslim Elders, Mohammed Abdelsalam, and the head of the League of Islamic Universities, Abdullah bin Abdul-Muhsin al -Turki, and also visit the grave of Tatar theologian Musa Bigiev, who is buried in Cairo," noted Assistant to the Rais of Tatarstan.
According to Marat Gatin, the upcoming visit to Cairo in November will be an important step in strengthening cooperation between the Bolgar Islamic Academy and Al-Azhar University.
At the end of the meeting, Academy Rector Farhat Khusnutdinov thanked Al-Azhar University Rector Salama Dawood for his interest in the Bolgar Islamic Academy, for the collaboration, and for the assistance provided by this world-renowned, one of the oldest and most respected Islamic universities in the world.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"