The international exhibition “World of the Quran” has officially opened in the oldest mosque of Kazan, the Al-Marjani Mosque. In addition to the main exhibition dedicated to the history of the Holy Quran, visitors can enjoy thematic zones with interactive programs, as well as screenings of Russian and Qatari films on Islamic culture. The project is organized by the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation (RBM RF) and the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of Qatar. The exhibition is supported by the RBM of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Russian and Qatari religious leaders, as well as representatives of the Tatarstan government and public, attended the opening ceremony. The event began with a recitation of ayats from the Quran, led by Sheikh Ma'mun Sha'ban Khalil ar-Ravi, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Chairman of the UAE Ruler's Quran Committee, holder of the highest degree in the hifz (memorizing) of the Quran by heart.
Welcoming the exhibition's participants and guests, the Mufti of Tatarstan, Kamil hazrat Samigullin, noted that Kazan is rightfully considered the center of Quran studies in Russia. "Not only in Russia, but throughout the world, the Quran, in accordance with Uthman's script, was first printed in Kazan in 1803," he emphasized. The Mufti recalled the proverb, "The Quran was revealed in Hijaz, read in Egypt, written in Istanbul, and printed in Kazan," urging everyone not to forget this historical legacy.
In honor of the opening of the exhibition, Kamil Hazrat presented Rushan Hazrat Abbyasov with a reprint of the 1803 edition of "Kazan Basmasy", expressing hope that the book would take its rightful place in the "World of the Quran" exhibition.
In his welcoming speech Marat Gatin, assistant to the Rais of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia - Islamic World” (GSV), noted that the Group has been contributing to strengthening and expanding Russia's ties with the Islamic world for 20 years. He also recalled the role of Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of Tatarstan, who heads the GSV on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and thanked the Religious Boards of Muslims of Tatarstan and Russia for their support.
"The project (the "World of the Quran" exhibition – editor's note) has already come a long way: it opened in Moscow, then moved to Saratov. Just the other day, the exhibition was in Saransk, and today it's here in Kazan," Gatin noted. He noted that the Al-Marjani Mosque has been transformed into an interactive space where visitors can not only explore the exhibition but also try out VR technology, games, and quests for children.
"The Group of Strategic Vision “Russia - Islamic World” strives to be a supporter and instrumental in the implementation of such projects," Gatin emphasized. In conclusion, he wished all guests a pleasant experience.
Albina Absalyamova, editor-in-chief of “Kazan” magazine and jury member of the "World of the Quran" competition, spoke at the exhibition opening and shared her impressions of the entries in the Russian-language poetry competition. She noted that over seventy works were submitted, and for the sake of objectivity, the authorship of each entry was encrypted. "There were a great many good works, and there were practically no hacks," Absalyamova remarked.
According to her, the jury assessed not only literary quality but also the extent to which the poems reflected the message of the Quran. Three winners were chosen, whose names the jury learned only after the results were announced: Elizaveta Evstigneeva from Moscow, Roza Dakhaeva from the Chechen Republic, and Anna Yaroshenko.
“…And let to bloom in our blood/ the evergreen Quran color, /The evergreen color of love," Absalyamova read an excerpt from a poem by one of the winners. She also announced that the winning works would be published in “Kazan” magazine, which frequently addresses the topic of Islam.
The event participants were welcomed by the head of the association of women deputies of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan "Marhamat - Mercy" Alsu Nabieva. She noted the important role of the educational project for the young community engaged in the world of the Quran and sincerely thanked its organizers.
Rushan hazrat Abbyasov, Deputy Chairman of the RBM RF for International Affairs, called it a great honor to organize this unique exhibition together with partners from Qatar. "Last year, we successfully held the exhibition in Moscow and received a lot of feedback, and the regions started asking, 'Isn't it just for Muscovites?'" the mufti said. This year, he said, the exhibition will be held in four regions of Russia, and residents of Siberia, the Far East, and Kavros have already requested that it be brought to their regions.
Abbyasov also emphasized that the exhibition will appeal to visitors of all ages: young people will appreciate the immersive VR experience, where they can see the Kaaba during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and even step inside, while older generations will appreciate the depth of its historical content.