Solemn event dedicated to inclusion of Bolgar in UNESCO World Heritage List held in Bolgar

On August 20, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Permanent Representative of UNESCO in Russia Eleonora Metrofanova, Aide to Tatarstan President and CEO of “Revival” Foundation Tatyana Larionova, Minister of Culture Airat Sibagatullin, Director of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage Muneer Bushnaqi, Executive Secretary of Russian Commission for UNESCO affairs Grigory Ordzhonikidze, President of ICOMOS Russian national committee Igor Makovetsky took part in a solemn event dedicated to inclusion of Bolgar in UNESCO World Heritage List.

Before the official celebrations the guests looked around historical monuments in Bolgar and went to the main scene near Memorial Sign and Cathedral Mosque. Irina Bokova and Mintimer Shaimiev were greeted with applause. The event began with a spectacular dramatized prologue dedicate to the history of Bolgar.

Mintimer Shaimiev addressed the audience afterwards: “We are celebrating a big holiday today. The dream of our people came true – Bolgar historical and archeological complex was included in UNESCO World Heritage List in June. This is our history. On behalf of Tatarstan President and regional authorities I congratulate you on this event from the bottom of my heart.” He also thanked Irina Bokova for coming to Tatarstan personally to present the certificate.

Irina Bokova, in her turn, noted that a great work was done due to support of Russian and Tatarstan leadership and experts.

“I would like to pay tribute to the work that was done. It is a perfect example of conservation of traditions. You should be proud of this cultural diversity, and your tolerance. Today we need the dialogue of cultures and cultural literacy in terms of heritage preservation. This wonderful site now belongs to the whole world, and your responsibility is to preserve it and continue working in this sphere, handing down this experience to next generations with a message of tolerance and respect,” she summarized.

Head of Spassky region, who took part in the event, said that the dream about inclusion Bolgar in UNESCO World Heritage List came true due to establishment of “Revival” Foundation by Mintimer Shaimiev. He also noted great support of Russian and Tatarstan leadership and citizens.

On behalf of Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev handed keys from 7 new electric cars and 5 tourist buses to Director of Bolgar museum reserve.

To the point, Bolgar historical and archeological complex was included in UNESCO World Heritage List and became the 1002nd heritage site in accordance with the decision of the 38th session of UNESCO World heritage committee on June 23 in Doha (Qatar).