“Sacred Books” Exhibition Opens in Kazakhstan’s Astana, Showcasing Spiritual Heritage of World Religions

The “Sacred Books” exhibition opened this August at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Kazakhstan’s Astana, offering visitors a chance to explore the spiritual foundations of the world’s major religions.

The exhibition features 50 sacred texts and rare manuscripts from diverse faiths and historical eras, each reflecting a significant aspect of humanity’s spiritual heritage, The Caspian Post informs, citing Kazakh media.

Highlights include a seventh-century Quran once owned by the last khan of the Kazakh people, Kenesary Kassymuly; replica editions of the Torah, Talmud, Old Testament, and 19th-century Gospels; as well as Buddhist scrolls, religious symbols, and miniature editions.

According to the organizers, the exhibition aims to foster interfaith understanding and cultural dialogue by showing how sacred texts have influenced civilizations over time.

“The preservation and study of these works help build a foundation for mutual respect and deeper dialogue among different cultures and religions,” said Kazakh Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva at the opening ceremony.

Running until September 25, the exhibition allows the public to appreciate the historical, cultural, and moral significance of religious writings, as well as their role in shaping human civilization.

The event forms part of the cultural program leading up to the eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, scheduled for September 18-19 in Astana. Since its inception in 2003, the congress has become a major global platform connecting leaders and representatives of various faiths. The previous congress in October 2022 hosted over 100 delegations from more than 50 countries, including Pope Francis, who conducted a holy mass for Roman Catholics in central Astana before his passing in April.