On June 14, notwithstanding rainy weather 30, 000 people came to Bolgar to celebrate “Izge Bolgar Zhyeny” dated to the 1125th anniversary of adoption of Islam in Volga Bulgaria.
Honoured guests at the event were Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia Talgat Khazrat Tadzhutdin, Chairman of the Russia Muftis Council, Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board of the European part of Russia Ravil Gaynutdin, Chairman of Caucasus Muslim Board, Chairman of Muslim Consulting Committee of CIS Pashazade Allahshükür, spiritual leaders and scientific intelligentsia from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine and Belarus.
Before official celebrations Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov met with religious leaders in a conference hall at “Ak mechet” complex.
Later on the guests visited a Memorial located in Bolgar historical and architectural museum reserve, and the exhibition of Korans translated to 30 languages by Muslims from different countries.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Rustam Minnikhanov said that Muslim leaders from Russia, countries of the far and near abroad came to “Izge Bolgar Zhyeny”. He also thanked Mintimer Shaimiev, archeologists, sponsors, builders and spiritual leaders for work being done in Tatarstan on reconstruction of sacred places.
Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia Talgat Khazrat Tadzhutdin, Chairman of the Russia Muftis Council, Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board of the European part of Russia Ravil Gaynutdin, Chairman of Muslim Consulting Committee of CIS Pashazade Allahshükür also welcomed guests of the holiday.
Interactive expositions “Medieval crafts of Bolgar” were organized for participants of the event.
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.