The Kazan Kremlin, Bolgar and Sviyazhsk presented in Paris

The exhibition of Russian objects from the Preliminary List of World cultural and natural heritage UNESCO opened on November 29 in Paris in Russian cultural centre. Bolgar and Sviyazhsk were presented at the exhibition. The event is organized within the framework of 17th General Assembly of the International council on monuments and sites (ICOMOS) being currently held in the capital of France.

The Russian centre of culture and science in Paris is a representation of Federal agency for affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States, compatriots living abroad and international humanitarian cooperation. The main function of the organization is promotion of Russian science and culture in France.

We remind the offer to present Bolgar and Sviyazhsk in Paris and tell about the Kazan Kremlin was received by RT State Counsellor, board Chairman of “Vozrozhdenie” Fund Mintimer Shaimiev from the leadership of (ICOMOS). This very organization implements expert assessment of objects suggested for inclusion in the List of World heritage of UNESCO. Thus, participation of Tatarstan in this event is extremely important. Therefore, by the order of the President of Republic Rustam Minnikhanov a delegation led by the culture Minister Airat Sibagatullin was sent to Paris to prepare and hold presentation of nominations “Bolgar historical-archeological complex”, “Sviyazhsk historical-cultural and landscape complex” and the Kazan Kremlin as an object of UNESCO World heritage.

Three more Russian objects were presented: Astrakhan, Uglich and Pskov kremlins being as well on the UNESCO Preliminary List.
The exhibition was opened by the representative of Russian Federation in UNESCO Eleonora Mitrofanova. In her speech she emphasized promotion of these unique historical and cultural monuments for inclusion in the List of UNESCO World heritage is a very important event for Russia.

Chairman of Russian national committee of world cultural and natural heritage at RF Commission on UNESCO affairs, President of Russian national committee of ICOMOS Igor Makovetsky briefly told about the history of presented objects. Speaking about Bolgar and Sviyazhsk he especially highlighted enormous role of the first Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev in their revival.

After the speeches of representatives from Astrakhan, Pskov and Uglich Aide to RT President on social issues, CEO of Republican fund of historical and cultural monuments Tatyana Larionova told about the Kazan Kremlin and presented Bolgar and Sviyazhsk in details. Her speech was accompanied by videos about these splendid architectural monuments of Tatarstan. The presentation ended with performance of RT State ensemble of song and dance.

Tatarstan exposition presented by architects of scientific and production laboratory of GUP “Tatinvestgrazhdanproekt” especially impressed attendees, representatives of UNESCO and ICOMOS, experts of UNESCO World heritage, public figures, journalists and compatriots living in Paris.

Director of Bolgar historical-architectural culture preserve Rafael Makhmutov and Director of historical-architectural and arts museum “Island-town Sviyazhsk” Artem Silkin answered their questions.

Colorful leaflets, books and discs about the Kazan Kremlin, Bolgar and Sviyazhsk were immediately sold out. Everyone liked the Tatar national sweet dish “chack-chack” so popular among Parisians.

Deputy permanent representative of Thailand in UNESCO Orachart Suebsith shared her impressions: “These are very interesting historical tows which favored development of culture and interaction between nations in due time. I would like to thank people being currently engaged in restoration and preservation”.