One of the highlights of the forum was the cooperation agreement signed between KFU and Pázmány Péter Catholic University on 15th October.
The forum, which takes place on 15th – 19th October, is being held mainly in Bolgar, a historical heritage city about 200 km from Kazan. However, KFU is an active participant, and some of the events of the gathering are also happening here. The forum is dedicated to the memory of outstanding KFU employees, Yelena Khalikova and Alfred Khalikov, who made major contributions to the studies of Ancient Hungarians.
Yesterday, Vice-Rector of KFU Riyaz Minzaripov welcomed the guests on behalf of KFU management. He noted that Finno-Ugric studies have always been one of the important parts of the University's work. In the 1960s, the topic went through a revival because of a number of interesting findings in the Volga-Ural region; in 1974, a significant batch of 8th and 9th century personal belongings was found in Tatarstan, and a new theory of Hungarian ethnic history appeared thanks to that.
Rector of Pázmány Péter Catholic University Szuromi Szabolcs also greeted everyone in Russian. He assured that Hungary is ready to further assist in relevant research, both in talent and funding.
After the agreement was signed, Consul General of Hungary in Kazan Adam Stifter congratulated both sides on the occasion.
Later in the day, Rector Suromi met with head of KFU Ilshat Gafurov to discuss academic collaborations. In particular, Dr. Suromi noted that PPCU will launch Russian-language tuition next year.
The current Magyar symposium is the second to be held in Russia and fourth overall. It is supported by a thematic expo at the National Museum of Tatarstan taglined “Ugro-Magyars in the Volga-Ural Region: Historical Heritage.” Among the exhibits are headwear, necklaces, rings, buttons, belts, weapons, and horse gear.
Source texts: Rufina Gimaletdinova, Kristina Ivanova, Kamill Gareev
Translation: Yury Nurmeev