The site visit started from a unique excavation object of the ancient banya on the Volga river bank near the river station under construction. Archeologists say that the object has been completely discovered and conservation process will be started soon. Mintimer Shaimiev stressed that conservation must be performed in accordance with requirements of the UNESCO World heritage committee.
While visiting the river station and the museum of Bulgar civilization, Mintimer Shaimiev said that it would be the visiting card of Bolgar as it would create first impressions about ancient Bolgar. The sculpture of a famous educator and poet Kul Gali will be installed on the first floor of the building.
Mintimer Shaimiev also visited functional museum “Memorial Sign” dated to official adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgars in 922. This object is one of the most significant projects being realized by “Vozrozhdenie” (“Revival”) Fund. Visitors shared their impressions about the exposition.
Further, the State Counselor inspected conservation works conducted at the foundation of khan's palace and improvement of area around the White Mosque complex. Special emphasis was put on the craft workshop and Doctor’s House which were constructed with a financial aid of OAO “Tatspirtprom” and ZAO “Bank Russky Standart.” Craftsmen are already working in workshops, employees of the Marjani institute of history are creating the exposition in the Doctor’s House representing a museum of history of the Bolgar medicine.
Mintimer Shaimiev was accompanied by Aide to RT President on social issues, CEO of the Republican Fund for historical and cultural monuments revival Tatyana Larionova; RT Minister of culture Airat Sibagatullin; Chief of State Counselor Secretariat Zyavdat Salikhov; Chief of Spassky municipal region Kamil Nugaev; Director General of GUP “Tatinvestgrazhdanproekt” Adel Khusnutdinov; Deputy Director of State historical-architectural art museum reserve the “Kazan Kremlin” Ramil Khairutdinov; Director of State Bolgar museum reserve Rafail Makhmutov and other officials.
On 17 March, speaking at a meeting of the State Council of the republic, where its Chairman Farid Mukhametshin declared his early termination of powers, Tatarstan State Counselor Mintimer Shaymiev said: “Mutual respect and deep understanding help to preserve high trust of our people.”
On 13 March the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and the State Counselor of the republic Mintimer Shaimiev accompanied by the regional Mufti Kamil Samigullin took part in the XIV Iftar of the republic organized by the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Tatarstan, the administration of the Ak Bars Arena stadium and the national tourist complex Tugan Avylym (My Native Village) at the Kazan Expo Exhibition Center.
On 20 January in the evening Russian President Vladimir Putin called Tatarstan State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev and congratulated him with his birthday. During the conversation Vladimir Putin stated that he is happy to hear bright voice of Mintimer (Sharipovich) and wished him good health and all the best.
On 20 January, congratulating Tatarstan State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev with his birthday, the Chairman of the Russian Government Mikhail Mishustin wrote in his telegramme: “Being a famous and political leader, you have made a substantial contribution into modern development of Tatarstan and have earned the deep respect and gratitude of residents of the republic.