The first state Islamic university opened in Kyrgyzstan
The grand opening of the Islamic Academy — the first state religious university of Kyrgyzstan took place in the city of Tokmok. The event was attended by President Sadyr Japarov, Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovation Baktiyar Orozov, UAE Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Mohamad Said Al Ariki, representatives of the clergy, scientific community and public organizations. Among the invited guests was the rector of KRSU Sergei Volkov.
Opening the ceremony, the head of state emphasized that today a new page in the history of religious and educational development of Kyrgyzstan begins. «The Islamic Academy will strengthen the faith and religious identity of the people. It will become a specialized educational institution aimed at training highly qualified theologians, developing scientific research and protecting young people from radical movements», — noted Sadyr Zhaparov.
The President recalled that the academy will be financed from the state budget and operate in accordance with state religious policy. Particular attention will be paid to the development of programs on Islamic finance, Islamic banking and modern economic projects.
In his speech, Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized that the opening of the academy in Tokmok, not far from the Buran Tower, has a symbolic meaning. The great thinker Zhusup Balasagyn once lived here, who made a huge contribution to the development of Islamic culture and science. The President also drew attention to the need for quality religious education as a key element of national security: «We must resist destructive ideologies. Young people should receive knowledge based on traditional Islamic values and a scientific approach».
According to the rector of the Islamic Academy, Ermamat Ergeshov, construction began in 2019 and was completed with the support of the Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Charitable Foundation (UAE). On an area of 2 hectares there are five buildings: educational building, gym, dining room, dormitory and boiler room. There is also a laboratory mosque for practical training.
The academy is designed for 400 students. There are college programs in theology and foreign languages, bachelor's degree— in theology and Arabic philology, and master's degree in theology. Undergraduate studies will be mostly free, with 10 budget places available in the master's program.
Within the framework of the academy, it is planned to organize advanced training courses for imams and create a modern scientific library. Specialists in the field of Islamic finance will also be trained here, which, according to the president, will open new horizons for the country’s economy.
«I hope that the Islamic Academy will become an important scientific and educational center not only for Kyrgyzstan, but for all of Central Asia», — Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized.
