On February 20, 2026, the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue organized a republican seminar titled “Current Issues in Conducting Religious Studies Expertise”. The seminar brought together Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Maksat Ramankulov; Chair of the Board of the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue, Gulsana Kozhabay; Head of the Department for Religious Affairs of Astana, Kairolla Koshkali; representative of the Department for Religious Affairs of Almaty Region, Erasyl Aybar Erasyl; Head of the Department for Religious Affairs of Atyrau Region, Kaharman Mussayev; Director of the Religious Studies Expertise Department of the Center, Elmira Birali; chief experts of the Department, Zhamalbek Duissebayev, Aidana Sabieva, and Aidana Izbaskan, as well as representatives of regional Departments for Religious Affairs and law enforcement agencies. The seminar was held online.
In her opening remarks, Chair of the Board Gulsana Kozhabay emphasized the relevance of the event. She noted that within the framework of constitutional reforms in Kazakhstan, the system of public administration is undergoing modernization, while legal and institutional mechanisms are being improved. During this period of transformation, she stressed the importance of open dialogue between government bodies and expert institutions.
Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Religious Affairs Maksat Ramankulov also delivered remarks, highlighting the importance of conducting expert analysis and exchanging professional experience in this field. He encouraged representatives of law enforcement agencies to take an active part in religious studies expertise. Department of Religious Expertise
The Director of the Department of Religious Expertise, Elmira Birali, presented an analytical overview of the results of religious studies expertise conducted in 2025 and outlined several key trends identified during the assessments.
In their presentations, specialists of the Department addressed various aspects of religious consciousness and discussed challenges related to defining the concept of “religion” in the process of expert evaluation. They also analyzed religious rhetoric and examined content published on social media by psychologists and religious motivational speakers.
Continuing the seminar, Head of the Department for Religious Affairs of Atyrau Region Kaharman Mussayev noted that the religious situation in the region remains complex. However, he emphasized that systematic and continuous expert analysis has helped maintain public stability. In his remarks, Head of the Department for Religious Affairs of Astana Kairolla Koshkali underlined that all public and festive events of a religious nature are strictly monitored in accordance with the law.
Particular attention was also paid to various gatherings and satirical performances containing religious elements. It was further noted that in organizing and conducting such events, specific recommendations are provided and explanatory work is carried out to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
A representative of the Department for Religious Affairs of Almaty Region, Erasyl Aibar, stated that religious matters in the region are implemented in accordance with legislation and elaborated on priority areas of religious studies expertise.
In conclusion, participants actively engaged in a question-and-answer session, comprehensively discussing pressing issues in conducting religious studies expertise and the societal significance of the work being carried out.
