Bulgaria’s grand mufti meets President Iliana Iotova

Bulgaria’s Grand Mufti Dr. Ahmed Hasanov met with President Iliana Iotova to discuss the education of young people around universal human values and the accreditation of the Higher Islamic Institute.

The meeting focused on the role of religious education, interfaith understanding and the development of qualified personnel for Bulgaria’s Muslim community.

Higher Islamic Institute accreditation discussed
Hasanov noted that, with state support, the Higher Islamic Institute now has its own building. He emphasized the importance of securing accreditation for the higher education institution, arguing that this would help train qualified graduates in line with the expectations of the institution and Bulgaria’s Muslim community.

Hasanov and Iotova agreed that accreditation could also contribute to strengthening traditional religious values within society.

The Grand Mufti also highlighted the annual traditional iftar hosted symbolically by the Bulgarian president as an example of respect for the traditions and customs of the country’s Muslim community.

Iotova stresses Bulgaria’s interfaith model
President Iotova emphasized Bulgaria’s longstanding tradition of peace and tolerance among religious communities.

“We have established a tradition of peace and tolerance among religious communities in Bulgaria over the years,” Iotova said, adding that the model could serve as an example for other European countries.

She stressed the importance of preserving and promoting a model based on mutual respect, describing it as beneficial not only to Bulgaria’s national interests but also to all citizens.

The president also underlined the importance of engaging with young people and teaching them about Bulgaria’s history of coexistence and the meaning of peace in the development of shared values.

According to Iotova, mutual understanding among communities belonging to different faiths helps prevent the spread of radical views. She said all institutions should cooperate toward this goal.

Focus on youth and interfaith dialogue
Hasanov and Iotova agreed on the importance of raising young people with universal human virtues and strengthening dialogue between religious communities and state institutions.

The Grand Mufti thanked the president for the meeting and expressed his readiness to continue dialogue with all relevant institutions.

Iotova also congratulated Hasanov on his election as Grand Mufti and wished him success in strengthening the understanding and tolerance developed among Bulgaria’s religious communities over centuries.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Religious Institution Celal Faik also attended the meeting.

Source: TimeBalkan