Delegation of journalists from Arab states welcomed at KFU
In anticipation of the Russia-Arab World Summit, a delegation of journalists from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Qatar, Lebanon, the Union of Comoros, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Sudan, and Tunisia arrived for a tour.
It is symbolic that the foreign guests’ acquaintance with the Russian Federation begins in Tatarstan—a region historically considered a space for dialogue between cultures, religions, and civilizations. The journalists were able to see the Republic’s industrial and investment potential, as well as learn about its rich cultural and educational heritage.
The program of their visit opened with an industrial exhibition showcasing key regional enterprises. The delegation then met with the leadership of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency, representatives of the Ministry of Economy, and the Russia – Islamic World strategic vision group.
The delegation’s meeting began at the famous Frying Pan, a public space in front of the Main Building of Kazan Federal University. The first stop on their route was the Kazan University History Museum. Here, the participants were given an insight into the university’s rich history, highlighting its contribution to the development of global science. Particular attention was paid to the founding of the Eastern Studies Department, which became the founding point of the Russian tradition of Asian studies.
One of the highlights of the program was a display of unique publications from the Department of Manuscripts and Rare Books of the Lobachevsky Library. The guests were presented with handwritten copies of Quran from the 14th and 18th centuries, an early printed copy of the Quran from 1803, a collection of hadiths from the late 17th century with images of Mecca and the Kaaba, a late 16th-century European atlas with a map of the Arabian Peninsula, and a 19th-century manuscript on fiqh.
Vice-Rector for International Affairs Timirkhan Alishev spoke in detail about the university’s current international programs, research initiatives, and opportunities for students from Arab countries.
“Today, journalists are learning about Kazan University, its history, and ancient manuscripts, including Muslim books housed within the university. In addition, the delegation is examining the university’s infrastructure and current status. Currently, KFU has approximately 1,300 students from Arab countries, primarily from Egypt, where we have a branch office, as well as from Syria, Algeria, Iraq, Palestine, and other countries. Young scientists and students from these countries actively participate in the events we hold under the auspices of the summit, which facilitates dialogue and academic exchange. We are pleased that leading Arab media outlets will highlight the opportunities offered by Kazan University,” emphasized Dr Alishev.
The guests then visited the Emperor Ballroom and the Lenin and Tolstoy Memorial Classroom.
The Russia-Arab World Summit is yet to specify a new date after it was postponed in a follow-up to a phone call between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.