A creative contest titled “Best Materials on Topical Issues in the Field of Religion”

At the initiative of the Department of Religious Affairs of Almaty, from February to October 2025, a creative contest titled “Best Materials on Topical Issues in the Field of Religion” was held. The event aimed to promote the dissemination of accurate religious information and to support the creation of content focused on preventing destructive religious movements.

Residents of Almaty, university students, youth organizations, and creative individuals active in the media sphere took part in the competition. Participants competed in several categories, and their works were evaluated based on content quality, audience reach, and social significance.

In the category “Best Instagram Video”, the winners were 4th-year students of the Religious Studies program at the Department of Religious Studies and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University — Tokay Aiyum, Myras Birzhan, and Kanzharbek Ernар. The winners received a cash prize of 600,000 KZT.

Their video project focused on countering destructive movements within Islam, promoting religious literacy in society, and preventing the spread of radical ideas among youth.

The scientific, methodological, and creative guidance of the project was provided by PhD, Acting Associate Professor Mukhan Nurzat.

The award ceremony took place on October 29, 2025.

This achievement contributes to strengthening the professional potential of young religious studies specialists and enhancing information and educational work in the field of religion.

We express our sincere gratitude to the organizers of the contest, as well as to the Department of Religious Studies and Cultural Studies and its faculty members for their support and active participation! The contest will continue next year and beyond — we invite everyone to take part in the upcoming edition!