From May 16 to 18, 2025, the 15th All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Leaders titled “National Identity and Religion” is taking place in Kazan and Bolgar. Today, May 17, one of the forum’s key events—the plenary session—was held.

The Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Nurgalievich Minnikhanov, participated in and addressed the session.

“We are sincerely glad to see all of you on our land. Thank you for finding the time to come, communicate, and exchange ideas. The speeches were very insightful. As you know, Kazan is not only a major center within Russia, but also an important city in the Islamic world. Next year, Kazan has been declared the cultural capital of the Islamic world,” emphasized Rustam Minnikhanov during his speech.

He also highlighted the rich content of the forum’s program and the crucial role of religion in preserving national traditions:

“We need this forum. Our national traditions, language, and culture can only be preserved through religion,” stressed the Rais of Tatarstan.

At the conclusion of the plenary session, state awards of the Republic of Tatarstan and Letters of Appreciation from the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan were presented.