Mintimer Shaimiev: “It is so important that we deal with reconstruction of historical monuments”

On February 13, the exhibition “Ancient town of Bolgar and island town of Sviyazhsk: past and present” opened at “Manege” exhibition hall at the Kazan Kremlin.

Unique archeological findings and works of art that reflect past and present of the monuments of Bolgar and Sviyazhsk, and photos about realization of a unique complex project “Cultural heritage of Tatarstan: ancient town of Bolgar and island town of Sviyazhsk” that started in 2010 are presented at the exhibition. This work is carried out under active participation of the Regional foundation of the revival of historical and cultural monuments of the Republic of Tatarstan “Revival” that was founded five years ago.

Tatarstan State Counsellor, Chairman of the Board of Guardians of the “Revival” Foundation Mintimer Shaimiev, Deputy Prime Minister Vasil Shaikhraziev, Deputy Chairman of Tatarstan State Council, CEO of the “Revival” Foundation Tatyana Larionova, Minister of culture Airat Sibagatullin, Director of the Kazan Kremlin Zilya Valeeva took part in the event.

According to Zilya Valeeva, the exhibition is dedicated to 5th anniversary of the foundation. She noted that people who were directly involved in reconstruction of Bolgar and Sviyazhsk took part in opening of the exhibition.

Valeeva continued that for five year 95 coins of Nicholas II’s epoch were found during excavations.

Mintimer Shaimiev noted particular importance of the exhibition and reminded that Bolgar complex as well as the Kazan Kremlin was included in UNESCO World Heritage List.

Shaimiev thanked everyone who came to see the exhibition: “You came here with a feeling of pride. It is so important that we deal with reconstruction of historical monuments. This way we are reviving our spirituality and become stronger.

Shaikhraziev noted that when reconstruction works in Bolgar and Sviyazhsk started not only historians and archeologists, but all citizens of the republic supported the idea.

Director of the Institute of Archeology named after A.Kh. Khalikov Airat Sitdikov noted that during this period the attitude to cultural and historical heritage has changed. He also said that the foundation’s activity is realized using huge scientific potential.

Airat Sitdikov showed the guests around the exhibition.