A scientific and practical forum was held in Almaty within the framework of the Day of Spiritual Harmony
In Almaty, within the framework of the Day of Spiritual Harmony, on the basis of the Scientific Library of the Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi, a scientific and practical forum on the topic: "Spiritual harmony is the basis of interfaith dialogue and a culture of peace" was held. The Day of Spiritual Accord is celebrated in Kazakhstan on October 18. The date originates back to 1992, when the first World Congress of Spiritual Accord was held in Almaty.
Earlier, on October 18 of this year, Deputy Akim of Almaty, Yerzhan Babakumarov, together with the main imam of the city T. Ospan, held a meeting with the leaders of religious associations of the city on the basis of the Central Mosque of the southern metropolis. During the meeting, representatives of religious associations talked about the noble values of mankind, interethnic peace and unity, joining efforts against the challenges of the new era.
The main task is to discuss topical issues in the field of dialogue between religions and spiritual development, to develop recommendations for strengthening mutual respect between religious communities, as well as strengthening a culture of peace and non-violence. Joint work with scientists and theologians will allow to adapt current activities to the challenges of the new time and countering extremism.
Opening the forum, Deputy Akim of Almaty Yerzhan Babakumarov noted the importance of the activities and contribution of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev and Head of State Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev to the formation and positioning of Kazakhstan as a unique platform for dialogue and cooperation, recognized by the entire civilized world. Kazakhstan is the only state in the world that unites more than 130 nations and ethnic groups adhering to 18 religions and confessions. Over the years of independence, spiritual values have taken root in the public consciousness.
“Kazakhstan is the author of a number of important international peacekeeping initiatives, especially in the field of organizing a dialogue between religions and civilizations. A striking example of success has been the holding of the Congresses of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in our capital. Thanks to the congresses, objective prerequisites have been created for opening new horizons of interaction between various religious communities, and a new model of interfaith dialogue and harmony has been formed on the territory of our country, ”Yerzhan Babakumarov noted.
The forum was attended by experts, theologians, spiritual leaders and clergy, public figures, as well as representatives of authorized bodies from other regions.
Consul General of the Russian Federation in Almaty, Yevgeny Bobrov, stressed the importance of the Day of Spiritual Harmony.
“This day brings kindness and unity to society. Spiritual harmony is the property of Kazakhstan, therefore it is necessary to support it and preserve it through the interaction of government agencies, public organizations, educational institutions and religious figures, ”Yevgeny Bobrov said.
The main imam of the city of Almaty, Tolebi Ospan, in his speech, emphasized the importance of the conference organized by the city akimat. According to him, representatives of the clergy, being at a single round table, share their views on peace and harmony, as well as on measures to preserve tolerance and strengthen the unity of Kazakhstanis.
The key keeper of the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty, Alexander Suvorov, indicated that over the years of independence in Kazakhstan, a lot has been done to systematize mechanisms to strengthen spiritual harmony and prevent interfaith conflicts, incl. legal and institutional in nature.
Aleksey Luboshnikov, senior presbyter of the Churches of Evangelical Christians-Baptists in Almaty and Almaty region, also congratulated everyone on the Day of Spiritual Concord: “For almost 30 years now, all of Kazakhstan has been celebrating this holiday. Consent is the foundation of peace and happiness. And we are grateful that we live in such a multinational and multiconfessional state. 17 confessions live in Almaty alone, which live in harmony and friendship. "
The forum was also attended by the Vice-President of the International Fund "Congress of Spiritual Harmony" Anvar Kokumbayev, Vice-Rector of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Aliyah Masalimov and others.