Faculty of Theology

History

Theology Faculty of I. Arabaev Kyrgyz State University was established in 2008, first as a specialty "Theology" based on "Political Science, Advertising, Public and Municipal Administration" Department at the Institute of Humanities of I. Arabaev Kyrgyz State University, and in academic year 2010-2011 as an independent department "Theology".

On January 26, 2016, based on orders of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 74/1 and the State Committee for Religious Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 35, the Theological College at I. Arabaev Kyrgyz State University was established. In order to implement the State Policy Concept of the Kyrgyz Republic in Religious Sphere in accordance with the Kyrgyz Republic Government Decree dated July 9, 2015 No. 315, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic jointly with I. Arabaev KSU, the State Committee for Religious Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan, I. Arabaev KSU is open on the pilot basis.

On June 13, 2023, in order to develop and effectively conduct the activities of I. Arabaev KSU, the Theological College and the Department of Theology were merged and transformed into the Department of Theology. And on December 29, 2023, according to the decision of the Academic Council of I. Arabaev KSU and the order of the rector of I. Arabaev KSU No. 01-8/814, the Faculty of Theology was transformed into a structural division of the university.

Field of study and specialty

On the basis of the state educational standard, the Faculty of Theology of the I.Arabaev KSU trains specialists of intermediate professional, bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees in the field of theology within the framework of a comprehensive educational program combining humanities, exact and natural sciences with theological and religious studies subjects.

In 2017, the Theological College of the I.Arabaev KSU developed the state standard of education in specialty 050717 as the main compiler of the state standard of secondary vocational education of the Kyrgyz Republic. In order to implement and promote the state policy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the religious sphere, our educational institution provides higher and secondary professional educational institutions with services for creating curricula, work programs, educational and methodological complexes, opportunities for citizens to receive religious education, and improving the religious education system that does not infringe on cultural values, human rights and freedoms. Based on the principle of preserving the secular nature of education.

Department of Theology and Religious Studies

In order to effectively manage and improve the overall activities of I. Arabaev KSU, based on the recommendations of the University Structure Optimization Commission (Order No. 01-8/266 dated April 8, 2024), and in accordance with the decision of the Academic Council of I. Arabaev KSU No. 10 dated June 21, 2024, the “Theology” Department of the Faculty of Theology was renamed to the “Department of Theology and Religious Studies.” From 2015 to 2023, the department was headed by E.Sh. Bekturov, and since the 2023–2024 academic year, it has been led by PhD, Acting Associate Professor A.A. Tashtanova. The department’s academic staff demonstrates high professional standards. It includes 2 associate professors, 3 acting associate professors, 5 PhD holders, and 11 master's degree holders.

Research Activities

The Faculty of Theology at I. Arabaev KSU regularly holds various events aimed at enhancing research activities. Faculty members participate in international scientific conferences, seminars, and discussions and publish articles in both Kyrgyz and international journals. They have also authored methodological and educational materials. For example:

• Methodological guide by N.B. Shamraliev: "State and Religion"
• Books by S.A. Myrzaibraimov: "Political and Faith-Based Movements in Islam", and "The Diplomatic Activity of the Prophet Muhammad"
• Textbook "Muslim Law" by K.A. Uturov and E. Bekturov
• Textbook "History of Religious Development" by S.A. Myrzaibraimov and Sh.A. Ismailov, developed jointly for school students.

International Relations

The Faculty of Theology of I. Arabaev KSU collaborates with various international educational institutions and organizations both in Kyrgyzstan and abroad. On June 25, 2024, through the efforts of the faculty's leadership, a memorandum of international cooperation was signed between I. Arabaev Kyrgyz State University and Ankara University of Social Sciences. The agreement includes collaboration in education, student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, doctoral and master's degree programs, PhD supervision, academic mobility, international conferences, guest lectures, and seminars.

The Faculty also provides educational program bases and facilitates internships in education, production, professional training, management, pedagogy, and research. It works with government and international organizations, research centers, and higher education institutions.

Partner organizations include:

• State Commission for Religious Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Center for the Study of the Religious Situation at the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan
• Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan
• Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA)
• Embassy of Qatar in Kyrgyzstan
• Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Kyrgyzstan
• Educational and Religious Attaché of the Turkish Embassy in Kyrgyzstan
• Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University
• Osh State University
• Kyrgyz-Turkish Girls’ Vocational Lyceum "Anadolu"
• IHSAN-HAIRIA Public Foundation
• Kyrgyz-Japanese Private School "Tensai"
• Islamic Journal "Ummah"
• Multiple Imam Hatip Lyceums and international schools in Turkey
• Umm Al-Qura University (Saudi Arabia)
• Kazan Islamic University (Russia)
• Moscow Islamic Institute (Russia)
• TTÖMER Turkish Language Learning Center
• "Assanabil" Charitable Foundation

Academic Mobility

The Faculty of Theology actively supports academic mobility programs. Every year, students are sent to educational institutions in Kyrgyzstan and abroad for 1-month, 2-month, or 1-semester programs. Likewise, students from other institutions come to study at the Faculty under academic mobility agreements.

• In the 2021–2022 academic year, 16 students studied for one month at Anatolian Imam Hatip Lyceum (Turkey).
• In 2022–2023, 20 students completed a one-month academic program at the Muhammad Emin Sarach International Imam Hatip Lyceum and Beyoglu Imam Hatip Lyceum (Turkey).
• In 2023–2024, 4 students studied at Zeytinburnu Girls’ Lyceum and 2 students at Fatih International Lyceum (Turkey).
• In 2024–2025, 2 undergraduate students completed a 1-month program at Ankara University of Social Sciences.

Student Life

Various student activities are held at the Faculty of Theology. Through competitions, roundtables, seminars, and debates organized for national and religious holidays, students showcase their skills and talents, promoting mutual social engagement. Additionally, religious discussions, conferences, and dialogue sessions allow students to explore different perspectives and expand their understanding. Students also actively participate in sports—volleyball, football, and tennis—and often excel in inter-university competitions. The best students are awarded educational trips and scholarships through special projects.

Foreign Language Clubs

The Faculty emphasizes foreign language learning. In cooperation with the Turkish Language Learning Center "TÖMER", students learn Turkish and receive certificates upon completion. The faculty also runs Arabic and English language clubs. Proficiency in foreign languages opens doors for students to participate in academic mobility programs and international research projects. During breaks, students and faculty are offered free tea and sweets as a gesture of hospitality.

Material and Technical Facility

The Faculty of Theology is equipped with everything necessary for quality education: a modern computer lab, laboratory, conference hall, large and small lecture rooms, interactive panels, televisions, and Wi-Fi access. The library offers books in more than ten languages and access to an online library.

Faculty Administration

• Dean: PhD, Acting Associate Professor Nurbek Shamraliev
• Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs: Lecturer Taalaygul Kalykova
• Deputy Dean for Educational and Organizational Work: Aziz Tashbolotov
• Acting Head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies: PhD, Associate Professor Aizada Tashtanova
• Laboratory Assistant: Altynai Iralieva

Academic Staff

The core faculty consists of experienced professionals proficient in foreign languages, including:

PhD holders and associate professors: N.B. Shamraliev, S.A. Myrzaibraimov, A.A. Tashtanova, M.G. Jusupov, E.K. Usenov, Sh.A. Ismailov, K. Duishenkul uulu, E.Zh. Jalilov, A.M. Babataev, and senior instructor T.K. Kalykova. Master's degree holders: A.Zh. Tashbolotov, A.K. Saipov, Leila Ansaf Hussein Abdulhadi El-Mungi, Zh.K. Osmonova, A. Amantur uulu, A.S. Dosmanova, K. Mirsabek, K. Abdykadyrov, and instructors A.Zh. Iralieva, N.Zh. Gapyrova, B.K. Toktoshev, among others.

Phone number: +996 (312) 51 09 01

Email: theologicalfaculty@gmail.com

Address: 91b Chaldavar str. microdistrict 8  

  Bishkek 720026