Thousands participate in Islam adoption celebration in Bolgar

Dignitaries were President of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, State Counsellor, Mintimer Shaimiev, and others.

President of Tatarstan welcomed all those present, greeting them on the remarkable date and noting that Bolgar had over the past year seen considerable transformations. A new river boat station, operating as a museum as well, was opened on Saturday.

R. Minnikhanov recalled the Forum of Muslim Figures had the day before discussed issues related to preserving the Tatar language and traditions. “We are really concerned about it and Bolgar is exactly the place where we can gather and discuss it,” he said.

“We have for several years gathered on the land of Bolgar and communicated. It is a great happiness, thank you, everyone, for coming to Bolgar. I hope meetings like this will continue for many years to come,” M. Shaimiev told his compatriots.

“You have seen what we have done here. We work and will continue to work, to revive Bolgar but we need to think about spiritual wealth as well,” he concluded.

Russian Central Muslim Spiritual Board chairman, Talgat Tajuddin, said Bolgar was a home for all Muslims and that he planned to make it a venue for regular meetings between Tatar Muslim clerics.

Russian Council of Muftis chairman, Ravil Gainutdin, noted the Tatar people lived in the multiethnic Russia and were the 2nd largest ethnos.

“Many mosques were ruined during the Soviet time but we set on the path of democracy, gaining the opportunity to rebuild our mosques. This is a historical land that will help us in the cause of preserving the Tatar traditions and culture,” he shared. Mufti of Tatarstan, Kamil Samigullin, made welcoming remarks as well.

After the official opening, the attendees viewed a Town of Masters, where arts and crafts products were traded.

They proceeded by visiting an international centre of archaeological research, in which field materials are treated, conserved and restored in special labs, after which given over to the Bolgar reserve museum for keeping.

The delegates then visited a spring, tasted spring water and viewed a khan’s bathing house.

A sermon was delivered for the celebration attendees, as well as a Koran recital and performance of old Tatar songs.