Rustam Minnikhanov visits the Centre of Unique Craftsmanship opened in Kazan

On April 29, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, visited the Center of Unique Craftsmanship (CUC), which officially opened its doors to visitors today and is located in the renovated building of the former Central Department Store (2 Moskovskaya Street).

The modern CUC is a strategic project aimed at preserving and further developing the cultural identity of Tatarstan. The entire building space is dedicated to workshops, creative master classes and exhibition areas. The venue also includes a gastronomic sector and halls for events.

A theatrical prologue titled “City of Masters” and a performance of the children’s Tatar theater studio “Apush” welcomed Minnikhanov and other guests.

The Rais of Tatarstan looked around the creative workshops and exhibition spaces, which included the Islamic Art Arabic calligraphy workshop, a studio for designer jewelry and accessories, a space featuring Tatar ethnic musical instruments (Alpar), the “Magic Threads” carpet-weaving workshop, a wicker weaving studio and products from the Alekseevskaya Artistic Weaving Factory.

Minnikhanov also visited the Kazan School of Embroidery, where participants are taught various embroidery techniques, including the traditional Kazan Tatar goldwork embroidery.

Further stops included a fabric painting workshop, a leather production workshop and other creative spaces.

One of the floors there were traditional felt boots from Kukmor, as well as leather with national ornaments, including Tatar boots (ichigi), slippers and other products.

On the ground floor, visitors can explore publications from the Tatar Book Publishing House.

The opening programme of the new creative space included a series of master classes, including traditional crafts and the preparation of national dishes. Visitors can also view an exhibition of costumes of the peoples of the Volga region, an art exhibition by artist Guzel Khaybullova and an exhibition featuring more than 600 antique samovars and items related to the Tatar tea-drinking tradition from the private collection of Rustem Akhmedzyanov.