In a significant stride toward strengthening humanitarian and academic ties, a comprehensive 2026 Action Plan has been signed between the Bolgar Islamic Academy (Russian Federation) and Al-Azhar University (Arab Republic of Egypt). This initiative, facilitated with the strategic support of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia – Islamic World", transitions the existing partnership from high-level dialogue into a practical phase of academic exchange and collaborative research.
"The newly signed roadmap represents a logical and significant evolution in our strategic dialogue with the Islamic world," stated Marat Gatin, Assistant to the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the GSV. "It marks a systemic shift from general declarations to organized joint efforts. By fostering knowledge exchange and academic mobility, we are building enduring intellectual bridges. This project embodies our mission to cultivate mutual respect and shape a shared intellectual future."
The 2026 roadmap outlines several key areas of cooperation designed to enhance the depth of theological education:
Academic Exchange: Delegations will conduct reciprocal visits, and Bolgar Islamic Academy students will participate in internships in Cairo.
"Visiting Professor" Program: Leading Al-Azhar specialists will deliver online courses for Master’s and Doctoral students, focusing on Quranic studies, Hadith studies, Tafsir, and Aqidah.
Scientific Integration: Al-Azhar professors will join the Dissertation Council of the Bolgar Islamic Academy, serving as peer reviewers and co-organizers of joint events.
Research Resources: Specialized courses on managing Islamic manuscripts and classical heritage are scheduled, alongside providing students and scholars with digital access to Al-Azhar University’s extensive library systems.
Farhat Khusnutdinov, Rector of the Bolgar Islamic Academy, emphasized the transformative nature of the agreement: "This roadmap elevates our partnership with Al-Azhar to a fundamentally new level. It is more than just an international project; it is a vital tool for deepening our research capabilities. By integrating the centuries-old expertise of global Islamic scholarship into Russia's modern educational standards, we ensure our graduates receive their knowledge from the most authoritative primary sources."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"