On the blessed Friday, April 24, the Award Ceremony of the International Quran Prize took place in the Grand Hall of the new building of the Galiaskar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre.

This landmark international event, which opened the "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2026" program, was organized by the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs of the State of Qatar, and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

Opening the ceremony, the Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, expressed sincere gratitude to Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Nurgaliyevich Minnikhanov for supporting the initiative to hold the International Quran Prize as the opening event of the "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" program. The spiritual leader of Russia's Muslims emphasized that for the first time in the history of our country, one of its cities has been honored with such a high and responsible status. According to him, this is not only a recognition of the rich spiritual and historical heritage of Tatarstan but also evidence of Russia's special role as a space for the peaceful coexistence of religions, cultures, and peoples united by common moral values, traditions, and centuries of good neighborly experience, which is relevant and in demand beyond our country's borders.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin also noted that the event holds special significance as it takes place during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, proclaimed in the current year 2026 by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. He observed that the Noble Quran teaches us to see in the diversity of peoples the signs of the Almighty and calls us to mutual knowledge, respect, and cooperation.

In conclusion, the Mufti prayerfully asked the Creator to bestow His mercy upon our country – Russia, to grant it a swift victory, and upon our native Kazan, the Republic of Tatarstan, and all its hardworking people – prosperity, mutual understanding, spiritual strengthening, and assistance in all good deeds and endeavors.

From the stage, the Acting Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan, Deputy Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan, Marat Akhmetov, also addressed those present. During his speech, Marat Gotovich welcomed everyone on behalf of Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Nurgaliyevich Minnikhanov to the hospitable land of Tatarstan. He emphasized that the selection of Kazan as a venue for such significant events as the International Quran Prize is becoming a good tradition.

Marat Akhmetov noted that Tatarstan is carrying out extensive work to preserve the spiritual heritage associated with the Quran – it was in Kazan in 1803 that the first printed text of the Holy Scripture was published according to the rules of ar-Rasm al-'Uthmani. He also expressed confidence that holding this event in Kazan will contribute to increased interest in the study of the Quran among the Muslims of the Republic.

Concluding his speech, Marat Gotovich expressed particular gratitude and appreciation to Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin on behalf of the Rais of Tatarstan and the entire people of the Republic for his great contribution to the development of Islamic education in Tatarstan, Russia, and the world, strengthening interreligious dialogue, and preserving the traditional spiritual values of our multinational country.

The finalists' competition was organically woven into a theatrical spiritual production, the central theme of which was Kazan as the cultural capital of the Islamic world 2026. The performance highlighted not only the beauty and unique character of the capital of Tatarstan but also showed its centuries-old connection to Islamic civilization, its historical and spiritual depth. The production was addressed not only to foreign guests but also to our compatriots. It was based on reflection on the significance of traditional spiritual and moral values, an appeal to important pages in the history of Russia's Muslims, and the theme of continuity of generations.

The concluding part of the International Quran Prize featured a ceremony honoring prize recipients. For her many years of fruitful work aimed at developing spiritual and moral values, strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between representatives of different nationalities, and active work in preserving the culture of the peoples of Russia, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin awarded the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan, Irada Ayupova, the Order "For Merit" – an award of the Muslims of Russia.

The International Quran Prize Cup was awarded to Abdurrahman Abdulaziz Al Thani, Deputy Director of the Qatari International Competition and Deputy Director of the Dawah Department of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs of the State of Qatar; Mufti of the Republic of Tatarstan Kamil Samigullin; Deputy Chairman of the RBM and Head of the Prize Organizing Committee, Mufti Rushan Abbyasov; members of the judging commission; and the finalists of the Prize.

By decision of the judges, first place in the International Quran Prize was taken by reciter Imran Al Karim from Indonesia. The top three winners also included Mahmoud Taha Said Muqbil from Yemen (second place) and Mohamad Yusuf bin Kassim from Malaysia (third place). Fourth place went to Nizomiddin Shukhrat ogly Ismagilov from Uzbekistan, and fifth place was taken by Abdullah Hamad Salem Hamad Abu Sharida from Qatar.