Solemn traditional celebrations “Izge Bolgar zhyeny” held in Bolgar

On June 14, solemn celebrations “Izge Bolgar zhyeny” dedicated to official adoption of Islam in Volga Bulgaria in 922 took place in Bolgar.

30, 000 pilgrims from Russian regions and foreign countries, State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Chairman of State Council Farid Mukhametshin, Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board Kamil Samigullin, Chairman of Central Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia Talgat Tadzhutdin, Chairman of the Russian Council of muftis Ravil Gainutdin, and Chairman of the Coordinating Council of North Caucasus Muslims Ismail Berdiyev took part in the event.

Before the official event Rustam Minnikhanov took part in signing of the Social Doctrine of Russian Muslims and held a meeting with Muslim leaders of Russia and foreign countries.

Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated the guests and said that Bolgar has become a traditional meeting place of Muslims from all over the world. He reminded that the 6th All-Russia forum of Tatar religious figures was being held in Kazan.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Mintimer Shaimiev for his great contribution to reconstruction of historical monuments of Tatarstan.

Shaimiev, in his turn, said that every citizen took part in large-scale work on reconstruction of two sacred places – the ancient town of Bolgar and island town of Sviyazhsk.

Also, a message of UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova was announced at solemn opening of the celebrations.

Later on the same day, Rustam Minnikhanov and Mintimer Shaimiev met participants of the first international Kazan forum of young businessmen of OIC countries and summer youth camp of innovations for dialogue and cooperation. The camp was organized within the framework of the plan of Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group and is aimed at establishing business contacts between Russia and international business community.

Rustam Minnikhanov also visited the International archeological school. Director of The Institute of archeology named after A.Khalikov of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences Airat Sitdikov told about the school.