Kazakhstan's Grand Mufti His Eminence Shaykh Nauryzbay Kazhy Taganuly has presented His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders with a traditional ‘Shapan’ gown at the Hazrat-Sultan Mosque in the capital Nur-Sultan. With over 30 thousand worshippers in attendance, the gown was presented in appreciation of the Grand Imam’s visit to the Central Asian nation to attend the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

Mufti Taganuly expressed his nation’s deep appreciation of the Grand Imam’s visit and their desire to hear His Eminence’s valuable words at the Grand Mosque. He stressed that this visit will live long in the hearts and minds of the Kazakh people for years to come.

The traditional ‘Shapan’ gown is an ancient form of clothing of the people of Kazakhstan and is a very significant part of the local culture. It is customary that the gown is presented to influential and noteworthy people as a sign of respect and appreciation.