Radif Zamaletdinov: 'Tatarica Journal Must Become a Brand in the Field of Tatar Studies'

Today, on the 21st of February, the International Day of Native Language is celebrated with a view to promote language and cultural diversity and multilingualism. In this connection we would like to tell you about a new project of the Institute of Philology and Intercultural Communication of KFU -Tatarica journal.

The international scientific journal Tatarica has been created by the decision of the Board of Trustees of Kazan Federal University. Tatarica is a new word in the sphere of Tatar Studies. The long-range plan of the editorial team is to have it included in prestigious edition lists indexed by international organisations. We have spoken to with communicated with the editor-in-chief, Doctor of Philology, Professor, Director of the Institute of Philology and Intercultural Communication of KFU, Mr. Radif Zamaletdinov.

- Mr. Radif Rifkatovich, please, tell us what are the purposes of the new journal?

- The new edition must strive to more quickly and adequately answer world standards and reflect the most significant results of scientific research conducted by Russian and foreign specialists in Tatar studies on its pages. Articles by Russian and foreign scholars in working the spheres of language, literature, history, folklore, philosophical and religious thought, education, culture and art of the Tatar people, collected in the new Tatarica journal, will facilitate replenishment and renewal of scientific database about the whole nation, which has made a significant contribution to history of the civilization and still lives meeting challenges of the modern age. The interest to the journal is conditioned by geography of Tatars settlement in the world: Tatar diaspora can be met in 43 countries.

- The journal holds itself out as an international one. Which language is it published in?

- English is the main language of the journal. At the same time, all materials have leads in Tatar and Russian; all articles written in Tatar or Russian are presented in original language, as well. This will permit domestic scholars to quickly and efficiently integrate into the global scientific community, unite their efforts with that of scientists living outside Russia.

- Could you tell about the first issue in more detail?

- A welcoming address of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mr. Rustam Minnikhanov, opens the journal. According to the leader of our Republic, jointing efforts of scholars from different countries studying the Tatar people’s language and literature, social thought and religion, education and culture occupies a special place under current conditions. The President is sure that Tatarica will occupy a worthy place among scientific liberal editions and be of great demand not only by specialists, but also by a wide circle of readers.

Words of encouragement by the Rector of Kazan Federal University, Mr. Ilshat Gafurov, come next. The Rector is sure that Tatarica will exist in the form corresponding to its initial design, which will be supported by a powerful research and educational potential concentrated in Kazan Federal University and scholars’ aspiration for making a contribution to the common cause of dynamic alma mater development and its transformation to one of the most important educational institutions of the world.

The journal consists of seven main sections: “Language”, “Literature”, “History and Society”, “Culture, Personality and Education”, “Personalia”, “Reviews and Overviews”, “Turkic World Chronicle”. Original articles containing research results in the fields considered, as well as monograph reviews and overviews, dissertation researches, bibliographic materials about the leading Tatar scholars and scholars who have contributed to Tatar Studies, and brief information about scientific events in the Turkic world will be published therein.

- Mr. Radif Rifkatovich, what will your journal be in future?

Tatarica journal is destined to become an efficient centre for scientific integration, publishing materials by Tatars from all regions of the world, as well as by representatives of science, whose studies correspond to goals and challenges of the journal.

This period may be called “the century of science” because it plays a significant role in the life of mankind. The representatives of various countries and peoples make contribution to the world science. Prominent Tatar scholars such as academicians Renat Akchurin, Kamil Valiev, Robert Nigmatullin, Renad Sagdeev, Roald Sagdeev, Rashid Syunyaev, Shamil Syunyaev, Marat Yusupov, etc. are members of the International editorial board. Prof. Mark Kirchner (University of Giessen), Prof. Mustafa Oner (Ege University), Prof. Azade-Ayse Rorlich (University of Southern California), Prof. Nuriya Akchurina-Muftieva (Crimean Engineering and Pedagogic University), Prof. Abudula Abasi (Xinjiang University), Prof. Yulay Shamiloglu (University of Visconsin) and other scholars also gave their consent to become the members of the International editorial board.

The modern level of Tatar scientific social-humanitarian thought requires integration of all present intellectual potential. Tatarica is urged to consolidate efforts of international scholars in decision of this problem.   

We would like to express our gratitude to the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and to the KFU Rector Ilshat Gafurov for an opportunity of Tatarica presence at the international format. I am grateful to all members of editorial and advisory boards for their job. I wish all prospective authors creativity and new scientific success!

- Thank you for the conversation. We wish you success in your plans implementation.