Republican fund of Cultural and Historical Monuments Revival presented in Tatarstan

Presentation of Republican fund of Cultural and Historical Monuments Revival was held in KRK “Piramida” (Kazan). RT President Mintimer Shaimiev, RT Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov, Chairman of RT State Council Farid Mukhametshin took part in the event. It started from presentation of “Revival” Fund emblem.

Mintimer Shaimiev noted that cultural monuments Bolgar and Sviyazhsk have All-Russian significance. Currently the work on including these objects into UNESCO list is being carried out. Both monuments are located in picturesque places on Volga bank. Islam was accepted on the territory of Bolgar in 922 as a state religion. It is a sacred place and large centre of pilgrimage for Russian Muslims. By words of Head of republic Sviyazhsk is a unique monument, heritage of Russia and the gem of Volga region.

RT President said it is necessary to create comfort conditions for citizens on the territory of Bolgar and Sviyazhsk, restore historical monuments and make them available for tourists. Moreover, it is essential to regulate infrastructure. The revived Bolgar and Sviyazhsk should become the symbols of traditions of our land.

“It is our historical mission to maintain what we have, revive it and pass on to the future generations. Mintimer Shaimiev is sure that renewal of historical appearance of Bolgar and Sviyazhsk will become a major joint project of the state, business, religious organizations and public called “Revival”. He also said that the project is supported by Russian leadership - RF President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Financing will be realized on parity basis by federal centre and republic. Head of republic considers that real help of business community that has always supported socially significant initiatives will be needed for project implementation.

Director General of JSC “KAMAZ” Sergey Kogogin stressed that there are such matters we have to be involved in and asked everyone to support initiative of RT President on revival of Bolgar and Sviyazhsk. Director General of JSC “Bahetle” Muslima Latypova said she would transfer 1 mln. dollars for restoration of objects. Deputy general director of JSC “Tatneft” Rustem Mukhamadeev said they would transfer 200 mln. roubles in 2010 and 2011.

Director of State Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky issued video appeal with support for the Fund. He considers that maintenance of cultural monuments in republic is important both for Tatarstan and Russia. The project of reviving Bolgar and Sviyazhsk is a good example for other Russian regions.

RT Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov noted that creation of the fund is a serious step for revival of cultural heritage. Much power and financial resources will be needed for the project. RT government has allocated 400 mln. roubles within the framework of fund co-financing. These funds have already been transferred.

We remind that Republican fund of Cultural and Historical Monuments Revival was founded according RT President Decree №УП-71 dated 17.02.2010. The Fund was organized for the purpose of organizing the assistance to revival and development of historical and cultural monuments in republic, maintenance and development of historical, cultural and spiritual traditions of multiethnic people of Tatarstan, national and cultural individuality of the Tatars and for attracting necessary financial resources.

Members of Council of trustees of Republican fund of Cultural and Historical Monuments, deputies of Russian and Tatarstan State Duma, members of the RT Cabinet, heads of RF territorial structures of state government bodies on Volga Federal District and Republic Tatarstan, responsible employees of RT President, State Council and Cabinet offices, heads of municipal units, heads of public associations, national and cultural autonomies, enterprises and organizations of republic, representatives of banking system, tourist business, religious organizations mass media, rectors of higher educational institutions participated in presentation of the Fund.