Vladimir Medinsky: “Rich cultural heritage of Tatar people is the essential part of Russian culture”

On March 25 Russian Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky, Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, and Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov took part in a solemn event dated to opening the Year of culture in the Republic of Tatarstan (Kazan, Tatar State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after M.Jalil).
The State symphonic orchestra of the Republic of Tatarstan opened the event with “Ruslan and Lyudmila” opera overture (Mikhail Glinka).

Russian Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky congratulated everyone on the Day of Cultural Worker, and reminded that a solemn opening of the Year of culture was held in Moscow on March 24 at the Bolshoi Theatre. He continued that Russian leadership will pay special attention to development of culture in regions.

“Tatarstan is a unique region in terms of culture and history, with many cultures and religions. Rich cultural heritage of Tatar people is the essential part of Russian culture. Many outstanding figures in Russian culture lived in Tatarstan. Today’s achievements of the republic in the sphere of reconstruction of historical and cultural monuments are well-known around the world,” Vladimir Medinsky said.

Russian Minister of Culture paid attention to work on developing rural culture carried out in Tatarstan. During my trip to Kazan, I have seen that work of many Tatarstan cultural organisations can be promoted in Russia, he said.

Vladimir Medinsky presented awards to distinguished cultural workers.

Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, in his turn, welcomed the audience on behalf of Tatarstan President, State Council, and Government. He noted that a large amount of work was done in the industry for the last few years, and great support is rendered by the Government and private investors. He personally thanked Russian Minister of Culture for supporting all Tatarstan endeavours.

Summing up, Ildar Khalikov reminded that Kazan will be announced the capital of Turkic world in a month.