Bolgar and Sviyazhsk have all chances to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list

Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev visited the large-scale reconstruction works in the Sviyazhsk island-town on Thursday, October 7.

He was accompanied by the head of the Federal Service on Controlling Legislation in the cultural heritage preservation Alexander Kibovsky, chairman of the Russian Internal Affairs Ministry Commission for UNESCO Affairs Grigory Ordzhonikidze, RT Vice-Premier – Minister of Culture Zilya Valeyeva, RT President’s aide for social affairs Tatyana Larionova and other officials.

The distinguished guests examined the buildings at the horse yard, the concrete road which is being constructed instead of the old one, the museum buildings under renovation.

After the tour around Sviyazhsk territory, Mintimer Shaimiev informed journalists that works have been started at all sites of the island-town Sviyazhsk. All investors and contractors take their work seriously. The winter is approaching, that’s why it’s important to keep momentum.

RT State Counsellor noted that the works fit in the world requirements set for reconstruction of the cultural heritage sites.

According to his words, the supreme council of experts will be created in order to conduct monitoring of the restoration works. “The works must be carried out elaborately, due to the fact that Bolgar and Sviyazhsk are in the UNESCO waiting list,” Mintimer Shaimiev emphasized.

Alexander Kibovsky pointed out the importance of using new technologies. The international forum “Digital technologies in the system of the cultural heritage preservation innovations” is held in Kazan on October 6-8, he reminded.

“The tourism cluster that has been created here can become a model for other Russian regions,” Alexander Kibovsky said.