Address of Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov on the occasion of the Day of Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria

Dear Tatarstan citizens! Dear Muslims!

From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you on the Day of Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.

In 922, the historical event that in many respects predetermined the further development of Tatar people and its statehood took place. The adoption of Islam by our ancestors gave a great impetus to further cultural, economic and political development of Volga region and made us an integral part of the great Muslim civilization.

It has become a good tradition to celebrate this event by holding meaningful forums, meetings, exhibitions and cultural events, of which “Izge Bolgar zhyeny" and All-Russia Forum of Tatar religious figures will again be the most important. I am convinced that this Day of Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria will become even more significant due to celebration of the Year of Culture and organization of great events on the occasion of announcing Kazan the capital of the Turkic world in Kazan. In this regard, our spiritual treasury, the Great Bolgar, restoring its former greatness thanks to activities of the Regional Fund of revival of history and culture monuments of the Republic of Tatarstan and personal contribution of Tatarstan citizens, attracts special attention. It is pleasant that the ancient Bolgar is becoming one of the pilgrim and tourist pearls both on Russian and an international scale.

This day we can feel the link of times, be imbued with a sense of pride for our ancestors and responsibility to future generations. I wish you peace, well-being and mercy of Allah!