UNESCO symbols opened on the walls of the Dormition Cathedral in Sviyazhsk

On August 21, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, Minister of Culture of Russia Vladimir Medinsky, State Counsellor of the republic, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Revival Regional Foundation Mintimer Shaimiev and Metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan Feofan took part in the ceremony of opening the UNESCO symbols on the walls of the Dormition Cathedral in the island-town of Sviyazhsk.

"Who would have thought a few years ago, in 2010, when we just started reviving our monuments of the Great Bolgar and the island-town of Sviyazhsk, that we will achieve such success," Shaimiev said in his speech. He also added that he is grateful to everyone who supported, participated and continues to be involved in this work and stressed that when it comes to preserving memory, history and culture all is done beautifully, it is simply impossible to work poorly in the republic.

Two minibuses became a pleasant surprise for the museum-reserve "The island-town of Sviyazhsk". They were donated by Tatarstan President for organizing guided tours. A boat was given to the Monastery from the leader of the republic. Shaimiev handed over keys and certificates were handed over to new owners. 

Irina Bokova has visited Tatarstan for the second time. She arrived in the republic three years ago to present the certificate about the inscription of Bolgar historical and archeological complex in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

"We discussed a lot how to include the Dormition Cathedral and Sviyazhsk in the list. It is the wealth of Tatarstan, Russia. It is a symbol of cultural diversity and tolerance. It is kindness, which is inherent in Tatarstan. And it is a great honor for me to come here again on the occasion of the inscription of the Dormition Cathedral and the monastery complex of the island-town Sviyazhsk in the UNESCO list. It is a success for all of us. From now on, it is a world heritage," Bokova emphasized.

"The inscription of one more Russian site in the UNESCO World Heritage List is a happy event for all who value and love the world culture, especially such a unique and beautiful place. Without a leader, Mintimer Shaimiev, it would hardly have been possible to do so much in such a short time. A lot of work has been done truely! Sviyazhsk has turned into a popular place to visit. Three years ago, about seven thousand people came to Sviyazhsk every year. Now you have crossed the mark of 500,000 tourists and I am sure that you will pass a one-million milestone soon. It is a fabulous, amazing, unique place, and it must be guarded and preserved,” Medinsky said speaking at the ceremony.