On December 15, 2025, Moscow will host the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Russia–Islamic World Dialogue: Shared Cultural Heritage as a Basis for Cooperation.” The event is organized by the Group of Strategic Vision (GSV) “Russia–Islamic World,” the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the International Islamic Mission.
The conference is timed to an important milestone for Russia’s traditional Muslim communities — the 950th anniversary of the Nizamiya Madrasa, the first university-type educational institution in what is now Russia and Europe. Established in 1075 in Tsakhur, then the capital of medieval Lakz (now a village in Dagestan’s Rutul District), the madrasa embodies centuries-old traditions of Islamic scholarship that continue to shape intercultural dialogue today.
Discussions will explore the historical legacy of the Nizamiya Madrasa, its impact on Islamic civilization and intellectual life, and how this heritage informs Russia’s modern-day engagement with the Muslim world. Participants will also examine cultural interaction, efforts to build mutual understanding amid current global challenges, and opportunities for strengthening Russia’s cooperation with Islamic countries.
The conference will bring together leading Russian and international public figures and scholars.
The plenary session will be moderated by Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan and Chairman of the GSV “Russia–Islamic World.”
Among the speakers are Magomedsalam Magomedov, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation; Kazem Jalali, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia; prominent Russian orientalists; religious leaders; and members of both chambers of the Russian parliament.
International experts in history, education, and global cooperation will participate from Algeria, Libya, Iraq, Iran, the UAE, and Egypt.
Scientific sessions will focus on topics including:
• “The Classical Islamic Educational System and Its Historical Role”
• “Education and the Islamic Manuscript Tradition in Russia”
Another session will address current issues and future prospects for cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world.
On the sidelines of the event, attendees will be able to visit the opening of the exhibition “The Spiritual Heritage of Islam in Russia.”
The conference will begin at 12:00 on December 15, 2025, at the Radisson Collection Hotel in Moscow (2/1 Kutuzovsky Prospekt, Bldg. 1, 3rd floor). Press registration will be open from 10:30 to 11:30.
To receive media accreditation, please send your full name, media outlet, and equipment details to rusislworld@mail.ru with the subject line “Media Accreditation for December 15 Conference.”
For additional information, you may contact the coordinator, Aliya Faridovna Khasanshina, at +7 927 041 1106.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"