Latest news with #KazanForum
New Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kazan, the city everyone confuses but no one forgets
THINK Kazan, think… Kazakhstan? Think again. It's a mix-up so common that even the locals have learned to smile through it. Ask someone about Kazan and you're likely to be met with a puzzled tilt of the head, followed by: "Oh, you mean Kazakhstan?" "I used to study in the United States," a young Tatar woman once confided to me over a decade ago during my first visit to this riverside city. "Every time I told people I was from Kazan, they thought I was misspelling Kazakhstan. After a while, I stopped correcting them." Her story remains vivid, a reminder of Kazan's quiet anonymity on the global stage. But if recent years are anything to go by, that's slowly beginning to change. From hosting six matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup to becoming the annual site for the KazanForum — an international platform for economic, cultural, and interfaith dialogue — Kazan is beginning to raise its voice. Yet, global recognition still lags behind its rich history and unique identity. Situated along the banks of the Volga River, Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, one of Russia's federal republics. Its culture and character are shaped by a distinctive Tatar Muslim majority living alongside a significant Russian Orthodox population. The result is a city where mosque minarets rise beside cathedral spires, and streets echo with both the call to prayer and the peal of church bells. "When I first saw 'Kazan' on our assignment schedule, I thought it was Kazakhstan," admits photographer Syarifah Nurzulaikha Syed Zainuzam with a sheepish laugh, adding: "I didn't even realise it was part of Russia." The confusion, however, isn't entirely unfounded. Kazan shares Turkic roots and Islamic traditions with Central Asia. Its language, food and cultural touchpoints often feel closer to cities like Samarkand or Tashkent than Moscow. And yet, politically and geographically, it stands apart. For first-time visitors, the transition from Moscow's imposing grandeur to Kazan's laid-back rhythm is striking. "It's calmer here," Syarifah observes, adding happily: "The skies seem bluer, and everything moves at a gentler pace. It's a dream for photographers." Much of Kazan's magic lies in its duality. The Kazan Kremlin, a Unesco World Heritage site, encapsulates this perfectly. Within its white-stone walls, the Qol Sharif Mosque — one of the largest in Russia — stands mere steps from the 16th-century Annunciation Cathedral. The cityscape reads like a visual diary of peaceful coexistence. About 54 per cent of Tatarstan's population is Muslim, predominantly ethnic Tatars, and roughly 40 per cent are Russian Orthodox Christians. Together, they create a religious and cultural tapestry that feels increasingly rare in today's divided world. Even Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during his recent visit, noted Kazan's harmonious spirit. "The way Islam and Christianity coexist here is something the world can learn from," he remarked after touring the Kremlin grounds. For RTM news producer Tun Julia Mohd Tahir, the city initially conjured images of Uzbekistan. "When I first got the assignment, I had to do a bit of Googling," admits the 43-year-old, adding: "Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia… I wasn't sure how it all fits together. I expected it to feel like Central Asia." In some ways, it does. Traditional Tatar timber houses with ornate window frames dot the city's outskirts, while markets bustle with vendors selling dried fruits, nuts and chak-chak, a honey-drizzled Tatar pastry. Yet at the same time, Kazan boasts the clean, orderly streets and pastel-hued facades of a European capital. It's this seamless blend of East and West, old and new, that gives the city its distinctive pulse. What you won't find is the frantic buzz of Istanbul or the commercial gloss of Dubai. And for many, that's precisely the appeal. "I used to live in Turkmenistan," shares Sharipah Hunaini Syed Ismail, second deputy executive editor at Bernama. "And this place reminds me of that time. The language, the people — even the way they speak Russian feels familiar. I even managed to get a discount at a souvenir shop using the word skidka!" she adds, chuckling heartily. A CITY FOR WANDERERS Kazan is best discovered on foot. Bauman Street, the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare, comes alive in the evenings. Musicians strum guitars, children chase pigeons around fountains and street performers draw spontaneous crowds. Ice cream stalls and cafes spill onto the cobbled lanes, their tables filled with young couples and families. "It's not any one monument that makes you fall for Kazan," muses Tun Julia, watching a group of children playfully splash each other near a public fountain. "It's the small moments, the friendliness of strangers, the calm. Malaysians would love it here. It's different, but it's not difficult." While halal food is available across the city — with restaurants often displaying halal signage and some even providing prayer rooms — options aren't as abundant or convenient as in Kuala Lumpur. Still, for Muslim travellers seeking destinations beyond the usual, Kazan offers a rare kind of authenticity. Here, nothing feels manufactured or packaged for tourists. BUILDING BRIDGES Tatarstan isn't just betting on tourism. It is one of four pilot regions in Russia developing an Islamic banking system. The autonomous republic has also been actively expanding its halal economy with help from global partners, including Malaysia. During his meeting with Tatarstan president Rustam Minnikhanov, Anwar welcomed the region's interest in Islamic finance and discussed enhancing cooperation in the halal industry. The premier also made a timely pitch. "We hope Russian airlines can resume direct flights to Kuala Lumpur as soon as possible," he told reporters during the Moscow leg of his visit. Such a move, he added, would not only boost tourism, but also strengthen business and cultural ties between the two countries. Kazan may not roll off the tongue as quickly as Rome or Paris. But that's part of what makes it special. It's a city that invites discovery, not demand attention. A place where you might arrive by mistake, but leave with intention. As Syarifah puts it, chuckling with mirth: "We came here confused, but we're definitely leaving impressed." In a world of destinations chasing hashtags and headlines, Kazan is a rare thing — a city that stays true to itself. It's a place where faiths live side by side not for spectacle, but because they always have. It's a place where a street musician's gentle chords and the call to prayer rise into the same evening air. Where you arrive thinking you're passing through a forgotten corner of Russia, and leave realising you've stumbled upon one of its best-kept secrets.
Shafaq News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Shafaq News
From Iraq to Russia: Iraqi calligraphers exhibit 39 pieces in Kazan
Shafaq News/ Six leading Iraqi calligraphers are exhibiting their work in Russia for the first time as part of a groundbreaking cultural showcase in Kazan. Titled The Journey of Arabic Calligraphy: From Iraq to Russia, the exhibition opened May 16 at the Museum of Islamic Culture inside the Qol Sharif Mosque and is part of the Kazan Forum's cultural program organized by the Russian House in Iraq and Tatarstan's Ministry of Culture. The show features 39 pieces by members of the Iraqi Calligraphers Association's Babil branch, blending classical forms with modern flair. Traditional ink and gold-leaf works appear alongside bold acrylic and copper compositions, highlighting both the heritage and evolving aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy. Featured artists include Jassim Hammoud Hussein Al-Najafi, Jassim Al-Tamimi, Qassim Taher Abbas Al-Hafizi, Rasoul Hamza Nasser Al-Zarkani, Khudair Sharad Kareem Al-Jubouri, and Haidar Ali Jabr Hussein Al-Shaibani. Murat Ilshatovich Gatin, Assistant to the President of Tatarstan and Deputy Chair of the Russia–Islamic World group, inaugurated the exhibit with Dr. Alq Ali Mohammed Al-Barghash, head of the Russian House in Iraq. Gatin described the exhibition as 'a symbol of deepening cultural dialogue,' while Al-Barghash emphasized the role of art in strengthening Iraqi-Russian ties.
Business Insider
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Russia extends an olive branch to Sudan as it hands over two geological atlases
During recent Joint Ministerial Committee meetings Sudan and Russia, two comprehensive geological atlases and technical papers were officially handed over to Sudan's Minerals Ministry. Sudan has received two geological atlases from Russia aimed to replace lost mining data and aid the country's mineral sector recovery. Dr. Hind Siddiq, Sudan's Mineral Resources Undersecretary, initiated the exchange during the Kazan Economic Forum. Russia has pledged both physical and digital versions of the reports and explored mining investment potentials, particularly in chromium and manganese. These records replace critical mining data lost during Sudan's continuing conflict, representing an important step toward rebuilding the country's mineral sector. Dr. Hind Siddiq, Sudan's Mineral Resources Undersecretary, requested the data transfer during the Kazan Economic Forum, and it was launched. Recognizing Sudan's urgent need, Russia swiftly delivered physical copies of the reports and promised to supply digital versions soon. Russia reviewed investment potential in Sudan's mining industry, particularly in the chromium and manganese sectors, as reported by the Sudan News Agency. The Sudanese Ministry of Minerals delegation recommended that the Russian side submit recommendations for technical analysis and subsequent debate during the Joint Ministerial Committee's eighth session, which is slated for next June. Sudan's call for Russian integration Sudan's Ministry of Minerals underlined at the forum that economic integration is no longer an option, but rather a necessity in today's interconnected globe. The Ministry emphasized the significance of sharing resources, expertise, and technology in promoting mutual development and stability between Sudan and Russia. Dr. Siddiq, who led Sudan's team to the Kazan Forum, emphasized the importance of true relationships based on trust, shared goals, and equitable development. The Kazan Forum, officially titled 'Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum,' has been held annually and gained federal recognition in 2022 by presidential decree. At the event, the Ministry of Minerals' undersecretary emphasized that such cooperation might help Sudan achieve a more peaceful and prosperous future. She also noted that the mining industry is one of Sudan's most important economic pillars, providing chances for foreign investment and the use of cutting-edge mineral exploration and extraction technologies. Russia and Sudan's mining history Dr. Siddiq also traced Sudan's lengthy history of mining partnership with Russia back to the 1970s. At the time, collaborative activities centered on geological, geochemical, and geophysical mapping, notably in the Red Sea region. The relationship developed dramatically during the Sudanese-Russian Joint Ministerial Committee, which was established in 2013. Several cooperation endeavors arose during the course of seven meetings, the most notable of which was the Sudan metallurgical map at a scale of 1:1,000,000. This ambitious initiative, a collaboration between Sudan's Geological Research Corporation and Russia's RoseGeo, seeks to map Sudan's abundant mineral resources.
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Motorways & national highways: Efforts under way to launch air ambulance service across country
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has stated that efforts are currently under way to introduce air ambulance service on motorways and national highways across the country. He added that this facility is aimed at ensuring that those injured in traffic accidents can be transported to hospitals in the shortest possible time. Aleem Khan expressed these views during his visit to the Expo Centre following the conclusion of the Kazan Forum at Tatarstan. The federal minister pointed out that Kazan's development model is highly impressive and offers valuable insights that can be adopted across various sectors in Pakistan. He highlighted the efficiency of Air Ambulance Service in Kazan, noting that such initiatives could greatly aid Pakistan in establishing similar services, fostering mutual learning and experience-sharing between the two countries. Aleem Khan emphasised that the high mortality rate resulting from road accidents during travel is a matter of serious concern and it is the government's responsibility to ensure that the injured ones are promptly transported to nearby medical facilities. He added that continuous improvements are being made in Pakistan's transportation infrastructure and efforts are under way to raise public awareness about e-tagging and other automated facilities. Aleem Khan described the Kazan Forum as beneficial for Pakistan, particularly in the context of advancements in the communications sector through collaboration among participating countries. He underscored the importance of enhancing land connectivity from Pakistan to Central Asian States and mentioned that productive discussions took place on this front during the Kazan Forum. In their visit to the Expo Centre, Kazan, Aleem Khan and the Pakistani delegation were briefed on the operational procedures and supporting infrastructure of air ambulance service. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Kazan Forum: Pakistan identifies six potential trade corridors
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has identified six potential trade corridors connecting Central Asia, Europe, and Russia through China, Afghanistan and Iran. These include road networks from Karachi to Moscow via China and Kazakhstan, from Gwadar to Moscow via Afghanistan and through Turkmenistan and Iran to Azerbaijan and Russia. Addressing the closing session of the Kazan Forum, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan stated that Pakistan does not merely aspire to serve as a transit point between South Asia and Central Asia, but rather aims to function as an economic bridge. He emphasized that Pakistan has been actively engaged in regional cooperation through various agreements signed in recent years and including proactive participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He highlighted that the Mazar-e-Sharif to Kohat Railway Project is expected to cost approximately $633 million. Russia invites PM to attend 'Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum' Abdul Aleem Khan pointed out that Gwadar Port has already started shipment and cargo services while Pakistan intends to facilitate Central Asia's access to warm waters. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan reiterated Pakistan's deep interest in enhancing North-South connectivity in the Communications Sector. He said that in Pakistan Sukkur, Hyderabad Motorway M-6 is a focal project for good investment. Federal Minister further noted that since 2023, the National Logistics Cell (NLC) has been providing cargo services to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Moreover, in August last year, Pakistan introduced Visa-On-Arrival facilities for citizens of 126 countries to promote trade and investment. In his address, Federal Minister for Communications elaborated on Pakistan's strategic plans to connect Karachi, Quetta, and Gwadar with Central Asia and Europe through road networks. He also revealed ongoing work on a pilot project for a Railway line to Russia via Iran. Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the holding of the Kazan Forum and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to playing an active role in regional development. He expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for hosting the Forum and extended his appreciation to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and Minister of Transport Roman Starovoyt for their hospitality. On the sidelines of the forum, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan held a bilateral meeting and joint session with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, accompanied by their respective delegations. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors with particular emphasis on investments in the Communications Sectors were focused. Federal Minister expressed Pakistan's strong interest in developing a broad-based partnership with Russia. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin underscored Russia's desire for comprehensive regional development and mutual collaboration. He welcomed Pakistan's participation in the Kazan Forum and expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in economic, cultural, and other fields. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
