Ancient town of Bolgar –UNESCO World Heritage site

On June 23, Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who chaired the 38th session of UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Doha (Qatar) announced that Bolgar historical and archeological complex was included in UNESCO World Heritage List. It was the 1002nd objects in the List.

To the point, Bolgar was presented for inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013. Last year in June the World Heritage Committee accepted the world universal value of Bolgar, but the bid was sent for referral in cooperation with UNESCO consultants. Major restoration works were done with the auspices of “Revival” Foundation directed by First Tatarstan President, State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev.

At the beginning of today’s discussion of the nomination “Bolgar historical and archeological complex” ICOMOS expert Britta Rudolff, who visited Bolgar and Kazan last year, characterized the complex, told about historical sites and restoration works. She highly estimated work on preservation of historical sites, noting protective structures built over ruins of ancient sites.

Britta Rudolff continued that the work was done in close cooperation with experts and all ICOMOS requirements were fulfilled.

Permanent representatives of countries – members of UNESCO World Heritage Committee (Lebanon, Philippines, Kazakhstan, Senegal Poland, Japan, Qatar, India, Germany, Finland, Colombia, Algeria, Serbia, Malaysia and Turkey) voiced support in relation to the nomination “Bolgar historical and archeological complex”.

Secretary General of the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO Asel Utegenova said: “Bolgar is one of the most famous ancient monuments in Eurasia. Archeological studies of this inestimable historical and cultural monument brought many unique findings that are presented in museum collections, and opened the history of Volga Bulgaria, the trade gates between East and West. The history of this outstanding town is described in many studies of Arab geographers. Preservation of architectural sites made Bolgar a landmark of a Russian region. Inclusion of this site in UNESCO World Heritage List has a long history. The government has now realized all measures in accordance with recommendations of UNESCO World Heritage Committee and ICOMOS. Therefore, we unconditionally support the inclusion of Bolgar, an outstanding historical and cultural monument, in UNESCO World Heritage List.”

Aide to Tatarstan President on social issues, CEO of Regional Foundation of the Revival of Historical and Cultural Monuments Tatyana Larionova made a welcoming speech on behalf of the Republic of Tatarstan at the session.