Mintimer Shaimiev: “The recognition of Bolgar is of great importance today”

On June 24, speaking at a press-conference on the inclusion of Bolgar historical and archeological complex in UNESCO World Heritage List, Tatarstan State Counsellor, Chairman of Guardian Council of “Revival” Foundation Mintimer Shaimiev said that the international recognition of Bolgar is of great importance.

Deputy Chairman of Tatarstan State Council Rimma Ratnikova, Tatarstan Minister of Culture Airat Sibagatullin, Aide to Tatarstan President on Social Issues, Executive Director of Regional Foundation “Revival” Tatiana Larionova, members of the Guardian Council and International Council of Experts of Revival Foundation took part in the meeting at Kazan Kremlin.

To the point, Bolgar historical and archeological complex was included in UNESCO World Heritage List at UNESCO World Heritage Committee the 38th session of held in Doha (Qatar) on June 23. It became the 1002nd objects in the List.

“Such a developed state as Volga Bulgaria, its capital required large-scale works, without which it was impossible to answer many important questions related to the history. Due to such great work this has become possible since 2010,” Mintimer Shaimiev said in his welcoming speech.

On June 23, the 38th session of UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Doha began with a discussion of the nomination of Bolgar historical and archeological complex, which lasted more than an hour. Representatives from more than 20 countries attended the session. “This fact gives the weight to the work we have been doing,” Tatarstan State Counsellor noted.

He said that several volumes of scientific and practical studies, large-scale restoration and conservation works in Bolgar had been submitted to approval by the experts. “In general, they were recognised as complying with the strict requirements of UNESCO institutions. As a result, everything was accepted and Bolgar was included in Unesco World Heritage List, on which I congratulate all of us from the bottom of my heart,” Mintimer Shaimiev said.

Tatarstan State Counsellor noted that the works in Bolgar and Sviyazhsk had started after receiving the approval of the Russian President Vladimir Putin and had been supported by Tatarstan president and Government. He thanked everyone who had helped to restore the religious objects in Tatarstan.

“Properly managing and handling this historical heritage will both enrich us spiritually and play a great educational role in what we represent for the world,” he said.

Mintimer Shaimiev pointed out that the work to develop the infrastructures of Bolgar and Sviyazhsk and to provide easy access for tourists will be continued.