Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Alexander Zharov, CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding, in Kazan, Tatarstan. The Meeting was also attended by Ms. Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The discussion focused on promotional plans for the “Kazan as a 2026 Culture Capital in the Islamic World” initiative. Both parties reviewed the outlines of a cultural and media strategy to be implemented over the following year, with the aim of showcasing Kazan as one of the most historically significant cities tied to Islamic civilization and highlighting its deep-rooted cultural and religious heritage—particularly as the city where the oldest printed copy of the Qur’an in Russia was produced.

Dr. AlMalik commended the vital role that major media institutions such as Gazprom-Media can play in supporting cultural initiatives that foster mutual understanding and closeness among peoples. For his part, Mr. Zharov affirmed his company’s commitment to leveraging its media and technological assets to spotlight Kazan as a symbol of cultural and historical diversity in the Islamic world.

This collaboration comes as part of ICESCO’s broader efforts to enhance the visibility of Islamic cultural heritage across the globe through partnerships with leading media and cultural organizations.

The Gazprom-Media Holding is one of the largest media groups in Russia and Eastern Europe. It encompasses a vast network of media assets, including television channels, radio stations, publishing houses, film production and distribution companies, as well as digital platforms. The Company currently plays a pivotal role in the Russian and European media landscape through its investments in digital innovation and interactive media that cater to diverse audiences.