Unesco World Heritage Special Session Opened In Kazan

It is a world level event that оpened in the capital of the Republic which by right may be included in coin box of the 1000 anniversary of Kazan city - opening the special session of experts on Convention of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The purpose of forum is to develop the concept of outstanding universal value. It has gathered representatives from over 40 countries and from 6 continents, it is to proceed to April 9.

Opening the session Kazan Mayor who is also the vice-president of the Organisation of cities of World Heritage, Kamil Iskhakov wished the experts to work fruitfully, and if possible to find a constructive solution concerning the concept for outstanding universal value. He said as well the fact that the session is conducted in Kazan this year is a sign of high consideration for its 1000th anniversary and thanked the experts for including this date in Calendar of UNESCO memorable dates.

State Advisor to RT President Rafael Khakimov read out RT President Mintimer Shaimiev’s greeting. Head of the republic noted, in particular, the Convention adopted in 1972 was a starting point that preserves invaluable creations of human hands, mind and nature for us future generations. The interest of UNESCO to our republic is not casual. Historically, land of Tatarstan appeared to be a junction of two civilisations, two religions – Christianity and Islam, it played a connecting role of a geographical, cultural, political and trade-economical centre. “Today over 25 thousand objects of cultural-national heritage are preserved in Tatarstan. Such monuments as: Kazan Kremlin, Ancient city of Bolgar, which is the most northern monument of medieval Muslim architecture in the World, example of Bolgar-Tatar architecture of 13th-14th centuries, and Sviyazhsk, the first Orthodox town in the Volga region, hold a particular place among them. Without any doubts, as well as Kazan Kremlin, Ancient Bolgar and Sviyazhsk due to their uniqueness and originality are worthy to add the UNESCO list of World Heritage. Steady geographical spread of the ancient Tatar celebration “Sabantui” gives us a hope that it will be included in the UNESCO masterpieces of non-material heritage”, - noted Mintimer Shaimiev in his welcome speech. Tatarstan has a long tradition of cooperation with the UNESCO, and he wished that mutual work on preservation of non material cultural heritage opens a new horizons for such a cooperation.