Irina Bokova and Mintimer Shaimiev visit island town of Sviyazhsk

On August 21, Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev and UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, who took part in solemn events dedicated to inclusion of Bolgar historical and archeological complex in UNESCO World Heritage List held yesterday in Bolgar and Kazan, visited the island town of Sviyazhsk.

Upon arrival at the Sviyazhsk river station, the guests headed for the excavation site of Tatar Settlement, where a wood archeology museum unique for Russia will be built in the near future.

Then, the guests visited the Trinity and Sergius Churches, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Joy of All Who Sorrow, and the Assumption Cathedral. At the Museum of Sviyazhsk, where the guests looked around the exhibits telling about the history of the island-town, Irina Bokova left a note in the museum’s guest book.

Answering questions from journalists, Irina Bokova noted that she was greatly impressed by Bolgar and Sviyazhsk, which tell about cultural diversity of Tatarstan and Russia. She reminded that yesterday she handed in the certificate on inclusion of Bolgar complex in UNESCO World Heritage List to Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov. “This is our present on the occasion of the Day of the Republic,” Irina Bokova added and congratulated the citizens on the upcoming holiday.

As for Sviyazhsk, UNESCO Director General stressed that it is a historical site, important for the Orthodox christians. According to her, the churches located on the island-town are a testament to the skill and talent of craftsmen, who erected them. Irina Bokova noted that Sviyazhsk is included into the preliminary list of UNESCO World Heritage. "We will continue to work to develop Sviyazhsk as a cultural and historical monument, there is great potential for this," she said.

"It will not be easy, we continue to work and explore,” Mintimer Shaimiev said, answering a question about inclusion of Sviyazhsk in UNESCO List. “Experts who were here, highlighted some churches and cathedrals, the Trinity Church and Assumption Cathedral in particular, as unique frescoes are found there." It should be noted that, their manner of painting and palette make them unrivalled among old Russian fresco painting schools.

Speaking about the Bolgar historical and archaeological complex, Mintimer Shaimiev noted that by the time of its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List a large amount of work with the participation of scientists and experts has been done. "At heart, we are satisfied that it was decided to include the Bolgar complex in UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a great joy,” Tatarstan State Counsellor said.