“Open Mind Hall” – A New Forum for Free Thinking and Discussion Opens at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

On March 13, 2026, at the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, the opening ceremony of “Open Mind Hall” — a platform for free thinking and discussion — was held at the initiative of the Center for Religious Studies Research and Expertise.

The main goal of the event was to promote scientific research in the field of religious studies, create a modern platform for the exchange of ideas among students and researchers, and strengthen academic cooperation.

The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science B.B. Meyrbayev, the Head of the Department for Religious Affairs of Almaty Region Ergali Akhilbekuly, the Head of the Department for Religious Affairs of Zhetysu Region Sagynysh Askaruly, the Head of the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies Ainur Durbelenkyzy Kurmanaliyeva, as well as the Dean of the Faculty of History of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Baigunakov Dosbol Suleimenuly, Professor Bishmanov Kakimzhan Muratzhanovich, Deputy Director of the Center for Religious Studies Research and Expertise Nusipkhanov T.N., Head of the Municipal Public Institution “Center for the Study of Religious Problems” of the Department for Religious Affairs of Almaty City Dulat Yersayinovich Ibragimov, faculty members and students.

During the event, the distinguished guests delivered congratulatory speeches and emphasized the importance of religious studies in society, as well as the significance of developing a proper religious understanding among young people.

As part of the event, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the library of the Center for Religious Studies Research and Expertise, followed by a presentation of the center’s book collection. Guests were introduced to academic works in the fields of religious studies, Islamic studies, and cultural studies.

The new “Open Mind Hall” will become an important space for students and researchers to freely exchange ideas, hold academic discussions, and develop new initiatives.