My PhD dissertation was devoted to the study of Tatar Islamic philosophical trends in the early 20^th century. The Volga – Ural Tatars became a part of Russian Empire in 1552. Ever since 16 century, the Russian State has led dubious policies towards indigenous population – from oppression and brutal Christianization to religious tolerance and control. The eve of the 20th century became a time of resurgence in the region. The Russian Muslim community, perhaps for the first time in imperial history, received opportunities for effective social, economic and intellectual development. In my dissertation I explored the new ideology of Tatar Islamic community. In 2003, on the basis of my dissertation, I published a book titled: “The Problem of a Man in Tatar Philosophical Thought (Eve of the 20th Century).” In 2004 I received for this book a special Presidential award (indicated in my CV).

            My current interests concentrate around problems of contemporary Muslim communities in non-Islamic societies with the focus on Tatars and Bashkorts (Russian Federation) and Islamic Education.