With the blessing of the Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, a solemn opening ceremony of the exhibition "Islamic Heritage of Russia: Peoples and Traditions" took place at the Center of Unique Craftsmanship in Kazan.

The exhibition was organized by the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation (RBM) and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan, with the participation of the National Museum of the Republic.

The ceremony was attended by Mufti Rushan Abbyasov, Deputy Chairman of the RBM; Renat Abyanov, Deputy Chairman of the RBM and Head of the Department of Culture; Damir Natfullin, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan; Danis Shakirov, Deputy of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan and First Deputy Chairman of the National Council of the World Congress of Tatars – Head of the Executive Committee of the World Congress of Tatars; Rishat Khamidullin, Deputy Mufti of Tatarstan; Archpriest Vladimir Samoylenko, Secretary of the Diocesan Council of the Kazan Eparchy; Ranko Tepavchevich, Head of the Center of Unique Craftsmanship; public figure and philanthropist Ali Brundukov; Eli Kagarbekov, Head of the Representative Office of the Head of the Chechen Republic in the Republic of Tatarstan; Amir Khashiev, Plenipotentiary Representative of the Republic of Ingushetia in the Republic of Tatarstan; Magomed Muslimov, Representative of the Government of the Republic of Dagestan in the Republic of Tatarstan; representatives of the scientific and cultural communities, artisans, residents and guests of Tatarstan.

Addressing the ceremony participants, Mufti Rushan Abbyasov conveyed greetings on behalf of the spiritual leader of Russia's Muslims, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, and read out his welcoming address.

The address, in particular, stated:
"Cultural diversity is not an obstacle to unity but one of the main sources of strength for our Motherland. The history of Russian Muslims, presented in this exhibition, is inseparable from the common history of Russia, from the centuries of creative labor of all the peoples of our country.

The exhibition gains special significance from the fact that 2026 has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and that Kazan has been granted the honorary status of the cultural capital of the Islamic world. This status is a recognition of Kazan and Tatarstan's contribution to the preservation of Islamic heritage, the development of education, culture, and international humanitarian cooperation."

Mufti Rushan Abbyasov, for his part, wished visitors to the exhibition to be inspired by the contribution that the Muslim peoples of the country have made to the further development and strengthening of good-neighborly relations in Russia's multinational and multi-religious society.

Danis Shakirov, in his speech, conveyed greetings from Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan Vasil Shaykhraziev and noted that the exhibition, which began its journey at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, continues its path in Kazan, and it is symbolic that it opens on the day of the XXII Kazan International Film Festival "Altyn Minbar." He also expressed, on behalf of the International Union of the World Congress of Tatars, words of gratitude to Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin and the exhibition organizing committee for organizing such a significant event, which is especially important during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

Damir Natfullin emphasized that the exhibition shows how important it is to engage in dialogue, acquainting people with the remarkable history of Islam in different regions of Russia. He noted that this joint project is part of the fruitful cooperation between the RBM and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Rishat Khamidullin, speaking about the mission of the exhibition, recalled the Quranic verse in which the Almighty says that He created people as nations and tribes so that they might come to know one another. He added that by getting to know each other, we understand that we share many values that unite us, and that our strength lies in unity and faith.

Archpriest Vladimir Samoylenko conveyed greetings and good wishes from Metropolitan Kirill of Kazan and Tatarstan and said:
"We often speak of the people of Russia as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious people, and each nation makes its great contribution to the growth, prosperity, and greatness of our earthly Fatherland. The contribution of our Muslim brothers is truly great and diverse, and it is probably impossible to fully tell about it and reveal its entire depth within the framework of today's exhibition. We can only partially touch this great cultural and spiritual heritage that our Muslim brothers have created, are creating, and will continue to create for the good of our beloved earthly Fatherland."

Ali Brundukov noted that the exhibition is part of an important strategic initiative of the RBM, highlighting the long and rich cultural life of our multinational country. He also called it significant that the event is being held during difficult days for our country, emphasizing the friendship and unity of the peoples of Russia and their rich cultural heritage.

After the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, Renat Abyanov, Deputy Chairman of the RBM, and Hava Isaeva, a specialist of the RBM's Department of Culture, introduced the guests to the exhibition.

A special atmosphere to the event was added by performances of creative groups and artists representing cultural centers of national autonomies of various republics of our great country.