Today International day of monuments and historical places

Dear friends!

By the decision of UNESCO, April18, International Day of monuments and historical places is celebrated all over the world.
Last time, this date acquired a special meaning for residents of our Republic. Our republic has a big number of monuments of history and culture which present immense value not only in all-Russia, but in a world sense either. Current year, announced in Russia the Year of Russian history, and the Year of historic-cultural heritage in Tatarstan promises to be rich for important events and measures in the sphere of protection of monuments.
Kazan is transforming. Capital of Tatarstan - this is not only economic, industrial, sports potential of the republic. This also its thousand years history. On the eve of the most significant event of the next year - Universiade, the city not only is building up sports objects and infrastructure, by actively is restoring its historical appearance. At the cost of owners, it is planned to hold restoration at 50 objects of cultural heritage.
It keeps going restoration of monuments of history and architecture on island-ton Sviyazhsk and Bolgar state historic-architectural museum reserve. This year new restored objects will be opened for tourists. Recognition of our rich historical past appeared to be that «Bolgar historical architectural complex», «Sviyazhsk historical –cultural and landscape complex» have entered in preliminary List of World cultural and nature heritage of the UNESCO. There are all chances that in close future equally with the Kazan Kremlin they will be recognized objects of UNESCO World heritage.
Recognition of unarguable achievements of Tatarstasn in the sphere of protection of monuments may be considered holding this summer in Kazan a consulting meeting «Future of Convention on protection the World cultural and natural heritage the UNESCO and International youth forum Youth and heritage within 36th session of the World heritage committee.
Today, on International day of monuments and historical places, I would like to enhance that preserving the richest historical –cultural heritage – this is not simply contribution of respect to our ancestor, but pledge of conscious and creative existence for future generations.

Minister of culture of the Republic Tatarstan
Airat Sybagatullin