Archeological park and research laboratory to be created in Bolgar

Session of International interdepartmental research expert council of “Revival” Foundation with participation of State Counsellor, Chairman of the Guardian Council of “Revival” Foundation Mintimer Shaimiev was held by Chairman of the International expert council, rector of Kazan (Volga) Federal University Ilshat Gafurov at the Kazan Kremlin.

The project of archeological park and research laboratory was presented at the session.

Speaking at the event, Mintimer Shaimiev said that reconstruction work is being done in Bolgar and Sviyazhsk.

“A large amount of restoration works has been done in Bolgar and Sviyazhsk. Archeology is becoming the most important area now. We have recommendations of ICOMOS consulting commission. As you know, members of the commission positively estimated measures and methods used on preservation of monuments in ancient Bolgar, and noted a systemic approach to performance of archeological works,” Mintimer Shaimiev said.

ICOMOS specialists appreciated the value of nondestructive research methods that were used in Bolgar due to scientists of Kazan (Volga) Federal University. These methods helped getting a large amount of information and choosing new places for excavations. The consulting commission came to the conclusion that archeological research works met international standards of archeological excavations.

ICOMOS experts also recommended developing a long-term strategy of excavations that should provide nondestructive preservation of territories as reserves for future research and preservation of archeological integrity.

“Taking into account all mentioned facts, new interesting project offered by archeologists and supported by the Regional Foundation “Revival” is creation of experimental archeological laboratory and archeological open-air museum, archeological park that will help to provide necessary conditions for revealing historical and cultural potential of this complex and use resources of International centre of archeological research in Bolgar,” Mintimer Shaimiev said.

Head of National centre of archeological research of Mardzhani institute of history Airat Sitdikov told about the project of archeological park and research laboratory that includes creation of experimental archeological testing ground that will include laboratory of experimental research, complex of handicraft facilities, and International field archeological school.

Main activities of the centre will be experimental and field archeological research works, practice of conservation and restoration methods, research in the sphere of museology, educational and public awareness campaigns.

Director of the Institute of history, oriental studies, and international relations of Kazan Federal University Kamil Khairutdinov, Minister of Culture Airat Sibagatullin, Aide to Tatarstan President on social issues Tatyana Larionova, Chairman of Russian national committee of world cultural and natural heritage under Russian Commission for UNESCO affairs, President of Russian national ICOMOS committee Igor Makovetsky, Head of Tatarstan Tourism Agency Sergey Ivanov, Vice-President of Academy of Sciences, Director of Mardzhani institute of history Rafael Khakimov, Deputy Director General of “Tatinvestgrazhdanproekt” Andrey Morozov made their suggestions about the project.

In general, the project was approved by expert council. First works on project implementation are to be started in May.