On September 15, 2025, at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as part of the meetings of the Secretariat Working Group, the XXIII Session of the Congress Secretariat, the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, and the II Forum of Young Religious Leaders, the official opening of the exhibition «Priceless Treasures of the World’s Religious Traditions» took place.
The event, organized by the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue in cooperation with the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was aimed at strengthening mutual understanding among representatives of various religions and cultures, demonstrating the spiritual heritage of the world’s religions, and promoting the values of peace and harmony.
This exhibition served as a platform for interreligious and intercultural dialogue, where participants had the opportunity not only to explore the relics and symbols of different faiths but also to discuss pressing issues of interaction in a multiethnic and multiconfessional society.
Religious traditions represent the spiritual heritage of humanity – centuries-old wisdom embodied in sacred texts, rituals, art, and philosophy. All religions are united by the pursuit of higher truth, goodness, and harmony:
- Christianity - preaches love and compassion;
- Islam - emphasizes justice and submission to God;
- Buddhism - teaches liberation from suffering through wisdom;
- Judaism - preserves the covenants of the ancient prophets.
The exhibition featured sacred books and religious artifacts from various world religions, drawn from the funds of the Museum of Peace and Reconciliation and the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Christianity-crosses, icons, prayer beads, liturgical chalices, candles, and vessels for holy water. Islam-the Holy Quran, examples of Islamic calligraphy, and ritual objects reflecting the spiritual and cultural values of Islam. Judaism-the Menorah (seven-branched candelabrum) and the Tallit (prayer shawl). Hinduism-statuettes of deities, candlesticks, ritual vessels, bells, and mandalas. Buddhism-a singing bowl, ritual drums (wooden fish and bamboo sticks), a statue of Buddha, prayer beads (mala), incense burners, and sandalwood sticks.
The official opening of the exhibition was attended by: Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan A.N. Khatiev; Chairman of the Committee of Culture of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan E.E. Dakenov; Director of the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan Berik Abdigaliuly; Deputy Chairman of the Board of the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue B.K. Yesbergenov; participants of the meeting of the Secretariat's Working Group, the XXIII session of the Secretariat of the Congress, the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the II Forum of Young Religious Leaders; as well as guests from various regions of Kazakhstan, pupils, students, and experts in the fields of religious studies, ethnography, history, philosophy, and art.
Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Anuar Nurmanovich Khatiev, in his welcoming speech at the exhibition, noted that the religious traditions which for centuries have shaped the moral foundations of humanity come to life in the presented exposition. Each exhibit here serves as a reminder that, despite differences, all religions carry the same light of goodness, wisdom, and compassion.
Deputy Chairman of the Board of the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue, Bakytzhan Konyratovich Yesbergenov, addressed the guests with the words: «The exhibits presented in the hall are testimonies of humanity’s aspiration towards the Divine, towards meaning, towards inner harmony. Sacred texts, ritual objects, and works of art all speak a language that is understood by every heart.».
This exhibition highlighted the historical and cultural importance of respecting religious traditions, rituals, and symbols as a foundation for lasting mutual understanding, harmony, and peace in the global world.
The exhibition «Priceless Treasures of the World’s Religious Traditions» will be open to visitors until September 25, 2025.
