R.N.Minnikhanov meets with Tatar community of Irkutsk region

President of Tatarstan R.N.Minnikhanov has met with activists of Tatar community of Irkutsk region. The meeting took place in hall of negotiations at Government House of Irkutsk region.

R.N.Minnikhanov thanked organizers and participants of the meeting for opportunity to discuss issues connected with social and political life of Tatars living thousands kilometers far from Kazan - the recognized center attracting compatriots. According to the population census - 2002 more than 30 000 Tatars and 2500 Bashkir live in Irkutsk region. Tatars take the fourth place after Russians, Buryat and Ukrainians.

During the meeting attendees mainly discussed necessity to make work of Tatar public organizations more active. Currently there are three organizations of this kind – “Tatar-Bashkir cultural centre”, “Cultural – educational centre of Tatars of Irkutsk region”, “Tatar-Bashkir youth centre”. All of them implement great social work, they could organize more sport and cultural events, help schools, mosques, but lately acute money shortage is observed, the state has stopped financing public organizations.

Speaking about this problem with participants of the meeting R.N.Minnikhanov suggested solving it with representatives of business sector. By his words, traditionally charity was widespread among Tatars and encouraged by religion. At the same time it is important to use opportunities given by authorities - in particular, win contests and scholarships.

For sure in order to maintain customs and traditions of Tatars and the native language constant cooperation in cultural, educational and scientific sphere is needed. It implies studying history of the nation, history of Tatar villages, development of ethnographic touristic routes, exchange of tours and exhibitions, students, organization of studies for imams of regional mosques.

R.N.Minnikhanov called Tatar businessmen for participation in trade-economic activity more actively which, in his opinion, has a great potential. In 2010 goods turnover between Tatarstan and Irkutsk region made 2,2 bln, roubles. Irkutsk region is a large industrial region in Russia. It provides 6,5 % of energy production, 15 % outflow of industrial wood, 6 % of coal production, 20 % of All-Russian cellulose production, and refines 9 % of oil.

Upon finishing the meeting R.N.Minnikhanov gifted a minibus, two laptops and a set of Tatar karaoke songs to Tatar community.