The Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, has been included in the organizing committee for the preparation and hosting of events in the Republic of Tatarstan in 2026 under the theme "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World."

This marks the first time in history that a Russian city has been declared the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World.

During a direct line session, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the city's upcoming status as the capital of the Islamic world in 2026: "The Islamic world is very diverse. I am confident that the example of Tatarstan is highly positive for it. Many of my colleagues from countries with predominantly Islamic populations take note of this and look to the positive experience of coexistence among people of different nationalities and religions, which Kazan demonstrates." President Putin noted that the capital of Tatarstan was not chosen by chance as the center of next year's events under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Tatarstan dated December 17, 2025, has been published on the official portal of the Republic.

According to the press service of Tatarstan’s Head Rustam Minnikhanov, the official opening of the "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" year will take place on May 14, 2026, as part of the international economic forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum."