Kazan to have a renewed historical center and underground by its 1000th anniversary

Mintimer Shaimiev, the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, declared in interview to “Interfax” that Kazan and the city center will undergo big changes.

"Today, Kazan has been turned to a large-scale building site, and it is very important that we are finishing the dilapidated housing program by Kazan’s 1000th anniversary", - M. Shaimiev noted.

He went on to say that the historical center of Kazan had been overcrowded with one-storey buildings of the 19th century. Pulling them down in accordance with the housing program will change the outlook of Kazan’s central part.

The program has allowed 32,000 families to leave these old houses.

"This is an unprecedented program providing new housing from non-budgetary funds, thus flats are given to people free-of-charge", - President explained.

He added that instead of dilapidated housing, there will be modern architectural units that are socially and culturally valuable. The buildings that are important from historical and cultural view, are preserved and restored.

The Kazan Kremlin is still concerned to be the heart of the city. Indeed, the Kremlin is one of UNESCO World Heritage monuments, M. Shaimiev said.

He reminded about the Annunciation Cathedral (the 16th century monument) and Kul Shariff Mosque (restored historical monument) inside the Kremlin.

There are new places of interests in Kazan, too. Mr. Shaimiev thinks that a new picture gallery will be one of them. The gallery of 10,000 sq.m will be placed inside one of the restored buildings of the Kazan Kremlin.

A part of the gallery will be Tatarstan’s branch of the Hermitage. There will be well known artists’ works and interesting exhibits from the museum, M. Shaimiev said.

As the President reminded the launch of the first underground line is another gift to Kazan people.

Kazanians can already enjoy the Basket-hall for 8,000 people; the Ice-Palace for 10,000 people and football arena with all-year-round athletic track is under construction, the Central Stadium is being restored.

"So, Kazan is becoming a place for prestigious sport events involving the European-level teams. As early as this year, we will host UEFA Cup games, with our “Rubin” team, a bronze-winner of 2003 Russia Football Championship", - Mr. Shaimiev noted.

The Tatarstan President reminded that Kazan’s 1000th anniversary will be celebrated on the Day of the Republic of Tatarstan and of the City of Kazan, August 30, 2005.

Mintimer Shaimiev also said that the celebrating preparations are run by the State Commission led by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The President of Tatarstan agrees with remarkable words of the Russian President that Kazan’s 1000th anniversary is valuable not only from federal point of view, but also from the global one.

As Mintimer Shaimiev informed there are a lot of consultations with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning some international actions with leaders of CIS and other foreign countries.