Kazan - future Mecca of Russian Islam

Tatarstan is going to invite all Muslim spiritual leaders for the opening ceremony of Kul-Sharif mosque. "I would like Kazan to become an Islamic center in Russia, precisely a Mecca of Russian Islam", Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev said during his meeting with State Minister of Turkey Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay on August 28, in the Kazan Kremlin.

Mintimer Shaimiev shared his impressions from meetings with Turkish presidents Turgut Ozal and Suleyman Demirel, from tours of Turkey, analyzed the activity of Turkish consulate in Kazan and marked that it positively influences the development of Tatarstan-Turkey relations.

Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay fully informed Mintimer Shaimev about educational program of support to the businessmen and invited Tatarstan to participate more actively in educational programs. He also voiced the consent of the leadership of the Turkish Republic to participate in construction of the Kul-Sharif mosque and preparation to the 1000-th anniversary of Kazan.

On the Turkish party, the meeting was attended by Consul General in Kazan Ahmet Ryza Demirer and Turkish businessmen.

The same day Kazan Mayor Kamil Iskhakov discussed with the Turkish delegation cooperation in the field of culture, education, small business, and Turkey's participation in preparation to the 1000-th anniversary of Kazan.