On October 6, 2026, at 2:21 PM, Egyptian time, Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb, the head of Al-Azhar, received Talgat Ashirbekov, the ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, to discuss ways to enhance Al-Azhar's educational and da'wa support for Kyrgyzstan. The meeting highlighted the strong historical ties between Al-Azhar and Kyrgyzstan, largely fostered by Kyrgyz students who have studied at Al-Azhar. These students have played a crucial role in spreading knowledge and serving as ambassadors for Al-Azhar in their home country.
Currently, 1361 Kyrgyz students are enrolled in various educational levels at Al-Azhar, with 76 of them receiving full Al-Azhar scholarships. Annually, Al-Azhar offers five scholarships to Kyrgyz students. Grand Imam El-Tayeb emphasized Al-Azhar's readiness to train Kyrgyz imams at the Al-Azhar Global Academy for Imam and Preacher Training. This training is based on a specialized academic curriculum designed by Al-Azhar's top professors and scholars to refine imams' skills in countering extremist ideas and promoting a culture of peace, brotherhood, moderation, and tolerance.
The Grand Imam assured that Al-Azhar is committed to serving and preserving Kyrgyzstan's Islamic identity while strengthening Egyptian-Kyrgyz relations. He highlighted Al-Azhar's role in providing a correct and balanced image of Islam. The Kyrgyz ambassador expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam, conveying greetings from Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and appreciating Al-Azhar's pivotal role in promoting religious and humanitarian values in Kyrgyzstan since its independence.
The ambassador praised Al-Azhar's scholars and professors for imparting correct knowledge and spreading values of tolerance, moderation, and coexistence in Kyrgyzstan. He requested that the Grand Imam increase the number of Al-Azhar scholarships and educational missions to Kyrgyzstan. The ambassador emphasized that Kyrgyzstan highly values Al-Azhar and considers sending students to study there a great honor, with many families aspiring to send their children to Al-Azhar.
Grand Imam El-Tayeb and Ambassador Ashirbekov discussed potential collaborations in the educational and religious sectors. The Grand Imam reiterated Al-Azhar's commitment to supporting Kyrgyzstan in preserving its Islamic heritage and promoting a culture of peace and tolerance. The meeting underscored the historical and cultural ties between Egypt and Kyrgyzstan, with Al-Azhar playing a significant role in fostering these relations.
The Kyrgyz ambassador's visit to Al-Azhar reflects the strong bilateral relations between Egypt and Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the religious and educational fields. Both parties expressed their mutual desire to enhance cooperation and strengthen the bonds between the two nations. The discussions also touched on the role of Al-Azhar in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to further develop educational and religious cooperation between Al-Azhar and Kyrgyzstan. Key points included Al-Azhar's offer to train Kyrgyz imams and the request to increase scholarships for Kyrgyz students. The enhanced collaboration aims to promote peace, tolerance, and Islamic values in Kyrgyzstan.
Key points
- Al-Azhar offers five annual scholarships to Kyrgyz students.
- 1361 Kyrgyz students are currently enrolled at Al-Azhar.
- Al-Azhar is set to train Kyrgyz imams at its global academy.
