Tatarstan President meets with Muslim leaders in Bolgar

On June 14, during celebrations “Izge Bolga Zhyeny” dated to the 1125th anniversary of adoption of Islam in Volga Bulgaria, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov met with Muslim leaders from Russia, countries of the far and near abroad.

Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia Talgat Khazrat Tadzhutdin, Chairman of the Russia Muftis Council, Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board of the European part of Russia Ravil Gaynutdin, Chairman of Caucasus Muslim Board, Chairman of Muslim Consulting Committee of CIS Pashazade Allahshükür, spiritual leaders and scientific intelligentsia from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine and Belarus took part in the meeting.

Opening the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov thanked honoured guests for participation in celebrations “Izge Bolga Zhyeny”. He noted that positive changes take place in Bolgar due to participation of Mintimer Shaimiev.

Mintimer Shaimiev, in his turn, noted that development of Islam in this changing world to a large extent depends on people present at the meeting.

“Kazan has always been Islamic educational centre. Having thus positive experience, we have become an educated nation. Bolgar is the place of free-will adoption of Islam in Eurasian space. Here spiritual leaders can build a consensus concerning any problem, and stick to common opinion afterwards,” Mintimer Shaimiev said.

Mintimer Shaimiev stressed that special emphasis should be put on work with younger generation that consists in explaining that Islam is a peaceable religion that takes the rightful place in this world.

All participants of the meeting, who delivered speeches at the meeting, said that working with the youth is very important, and they are ready to fight against religious extremism.

Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia Talgat Khazrat Tadzhutdin reminded about forum of religious figures that was held in Tatarstan. “We met and exchanged opinions. Many positive changes have lately happened in the republic. Educational work being done by imams brings god results,” he said.

Talgat Tadzhutdin suggested making such meetings of spiritual leaders annual.

Ravil Gaynutdin said that Tatar people have always considered Bolgar to be a special place, and noted that today sacred places are reconstructed owing to Tatarstan leadership.