Rustam Minnikhanov: A great deal of work has been done under the leadership of Mintimer Shaimiev to revive the historical appearance of Bolgar and Sviyazhsk

On February 1, at the Pyramida Entertainment Complex in Kazan, Minister of Culture of Russia Vladimir Medinsky, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Russia Pavel Zenkovich, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev took part a solemn event dedicated to results of the implementation of the project to revive the island-town of Sviyazhsk and the ancient city of Bolgar.

During the event, the guests were told about the history of the project, its implementation, and monuments restored since 2010.

According to Medinsky, the nine-year project for the revival of Bolgar and Sviyazhsk has shown that by joint efforts of the state, the public, international organizations and business it is possible to create a wonderful museum cultural tourist centre in a place where it would seem impossible to revive the great historical heritage.

The Minister noted that due to the projects the flow of tourists to Muslim and Orthodox shrines has increased significantly. In 2018 their number exceeded 1 million people, he added. 

Minnikhanov reminded that in 2010, when the project was only presented, many tasks seemed to be overly complex. “Nevertheless, Mintimer Shaimiev has managed to bring the team together, convince all of us, to get our large enterprises, the business community, citizens of the republic involved in this work. The most important thing is that this project was supported by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. We received federal support. Many thanks to our colleagues,” Tatarstan President emphasized.

He noted that plans to revive Bolgar and Sviyazhsk were hatched for a long time, but “we lacked strength, courage and had no opportunity.” “Mintimer Shaimiev headed this very difficult project. For nine years, a great deal of work has been done under his leadership. What we have done is priceless. Tatarstan has become recognizable. And Mintimer Shaimiev is the only UNESCO Special Envoy in Russia for intercultural dialogue. This is a worldwide recognition,” Minnikhanov said.

Tatarstan President added that despite the completion of the project, the Foundation has further plans to create a trilingual educational centre. “For the republic to be competitive, people are needed. Human capital is the most important thing. Mintimer Shaimiev proposed setting up a modern educational centre, including a kindergarten and a school, that will offer education in at least three languages ​​- Russian, Tatar and English. These educational facilities will shape the future of our republic,” Minnikhanov said.

According to Tatarstan President, such educational centres should be opened not only in Kazan, but also in other cities of the republic. “This is a very serious task. If we have high intellectual potential, a powerful educational system, we will be competitive, and Tatarstan will continue to prosper. This is a unique project. We want to make it a “pilot” project in order to promote it in future,” he noted.

“Every project you undertake is appreciated. In turn, we will always be with you and support you,” Minnikhanov addressed to the State Counsellor of the republic.

Then, Medinsky and Minnikhanov handed in awards to the most active participants of the project.

Summing up results of work on the restoration of the ancient city of Bolgar and the island town of Sviyazhsk, Shaimiev noted that for nine years they have managed not only to restore historical monuments, architectural ensembles, to build new buildings, to create modern infrastructure, to improve the territories of settlements, but most importantly to recreate spiritual images: faith, traditions and culture of our ancestors.

Shaimiev specially thanked investors, including large enterprises and organizations, small companies and ordinary citizens of the republic. All their names are recorded in the regional commemorative book of philanthropists.