The International Scientific-Practical Conference «Current State and Prospects for the Development of Religious Studies», dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the specialty «Religious Studies» was held at Al-Farabi KazNU.

The Conference was attended by the Rector of the University of Foreign Languages ​​and Business Career Sabri Hizmetli, the Vice-Rector of the Egyptian University of Islamic Culture «Nur-Mubarak» Kairat Kurmanbaev, the Consul General of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Republic of Kazakhstan Nazir Bakhodur, the Consul of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan in the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairatbek Zhakypov, Deputy Head of the Department Aidar Esenbekov, Almaty City Development Community, representatives of Research Institutes, Heads of religious extremism prevention and control centers, members of the Club of leaders of religious associations in Almaty, professors and teachers of foreign and domestic universities, young researchers, representatives of the Media and many others.

The plenary and breakout sessions of the Conference addressed the topics of teaching religious studies in secondary and higher education, religious studies as a new area of ​​science in independent Kazakhstan, interdisciplinarity of research, the effectiveness of religious studies in implementing state policy in the field of religion and development prospects. The first Kazakhstani «Museum of the History of Religions» was presented within the framework of the event.

During the Conference, the congratulations of foreign and domestic colleagues and guests on the 20th anniversary of the specialty «Religious Studies» were voiced. The best students and young scientists representing with dignity KazNU in the educational, scientific and public life of the country were awarded with diplomas and letters of thanks.

It should be noted that in 1999 the first training of specialists in «Religious Studies» began at Al-Farabi KazNU.  The works by professors B.K. Kudaibergenov and M.S. Orynbekov play important role in the training of specialists.

Over a 20-year period, «Religious Studies» fruitfully developed and successfully conducted various kinds of research. Today, a great experience has been accumulated, international treaties have been concluded with scientific and educational institutions and organizations on mutual cooperation and academic mobility. Religious scholars highly value the importance of integration into the global educational space.

During the Conference, the participants discussed the methodological and practical problems of religious science and education in the context of the global challenges of our time. Ways were also voiced to address some religious issues and build research prospects.

As a result of the Conference, resolutions were adopted that will be sent to religious scholars, heads of state bodies for public consent, religious research institutes and centers, and educational institutions.

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