Muslim historical and archaeological heritage was discussed at the Islamic Forum-2025

On May 14, 2025, as part of the International Economic Forum of Russia and the OIC States “Russia – Islamic World” (KazanForum2025), a session titled “Muslim Historical and Archaeological Heritage: Preservation, Study, Management, and Tourism” was held. The meeting was moderated by A.G. Sitdikov, Director of the Institute of Archaeology named after A.Kh. Khalikov of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences.

The choice of the session’s theme was not by chance. In the context of a changing world, the preservation of Muslim heritage has become increasingly urgent. As Islam spread across the globe, it carried with it elements of Islamic art and everyday life: architectural techniques, decorative and applied arts, and handwritten book tradition. The session showcased new findings and achievements in Muslim archaeology. Speakers addressed the management of Muslim heritage sites, their integration into tourism programs, international and institutional collaboration in heritage preservation and promotion, and the creation of new implications, brands, and imagery.

Presentations included:

Evren Rutbil (Director, International Institute for Central Asian Studies, Uzbekistan): “Current issues in preserving Muslim heritage in a changing world”;

Sergey P. Strelkov (Acting Rector, Astrakhan State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Russia): “Modern technologies as tools for preserving and transforming cultural heritage: challenges and opportunities”;

Sergey G. Bocharov (Head of the Department of Archaeology, Deputy Director for Research, Institute of History and Archaeology of Byzantium and the Black Sea Region, Sevastopol State University, Russia): “The first Golden Horde mosque in Crimea: Localization issues”;

Rafael M. Valeyev (Professor, Department of World Cultural Heritage, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Russia): “Incorporating areas with special status into tourist routes and their role in ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage”;

Dmitry A. Voyakin (Goodwill Ambassador of Kazakhstan; Coordinator, University College London’s “Central Asian Archaeological Landscapes” Project; Member, National Commission of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ISESCO): “Central Asian mosques and minarets – a new international initiative of Kazakhstan”;

Aleksandra V. Soboleva (Head of Regional Interaction, ДОМ. РФ JSC, Russia): “Investing in heritage sites as a solid foundation for urban development.”

The speakers’ presentations resonated with the audience and participants. Discussions on key issues and the exchange of experiences in promoting cultural heritage continued in the lobby and at the stand of the Institute of Archaeology TAS in the forum’s exhibition pavilion.