December 11, 2019

Today, President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov  has  arrived in the Republic of Belarus, where he met with representatives of Tatar public associations.

The meeting was moderated by Vasil Shaykhraziev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the National Council of the World Tatars Congress.

The event was attended by  chairman of the Chishma Tatar-Bashkir Cultural Heritage International Public Association Elvira Levshevich, the Duslyk city branch of the Dushlyk Tatar-Bashkir Cultural Heritage International Public Association Zaviya Salyakhova,  deputy mufti of the Muslim Religious Association in the Republic Belarus”, Imam Zarif Zudin, etc.

The Chairman of the National Council of the World Tatars Congress Vasil Shaykhraziev addressed the compatriots with a welcoming speech. He noted that today in the Republic of Belarus, according to official figures, 7,500 people live, and according to unofficial figures, more than 11,000 Tatars.

“The main organization in the Republic of Belarus uniting the Tatars is the International Public Association“ Tatar-Bashkir Cultural Heritage “Chishma”, created in 1998. The association’s branches are actively working in cities such as Grodno, Vitebsk, Bobruisk and Ivye, ”the moderator emphasized.

“Ancient Tatar traditions to this day are preserved by Tatars living in the territory of the Republic of Belarus. National holidays are held here, folk ensembles are created. Since 1999, they have been conducting Sabantuy, ”added Vasil Shaykhraziev.

Then the chairman of the International Public Association “Tatar-Bashkir Cultural Heritage“ Chishma ”Elvira Levshevich addressed the audience.

“The international public association“ Tatar-Bashkir cultural heritage “Chishma” was formed in 1998. The main goal of the association is to preserve the Tatar and Bashkir ethnic groups on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. We are doing a lot of work in this direction. To date, the organization has 140 representatives. I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, for his support in conducting the Sabantui. Such events contribute to the unity of the Tatar people, ”said Elvira Levshevich.

“Last year, the association celebrated its 20th anniversary. The holiday was organized thanks to the support of the World Tatars Congress, ”added the chairman of the association.

Concluding her speech, Elvira Levshevich asked the President for help in resolving some issues. According to her, the button accordion of the Laysan ensemble is very outdated, she turned to Rustam Minnikhanov with a request to assist in providing the team with an instrument.

Also, according to the chairman of the association in connection with the 100th anniversary of the TASSR, it would be nice to organize performances of Belarusian ensembles in Kazan and in the regions of Tatarstan.

In addition, according to E. Levshevich, state support is also needed in the repair of the grave of the Tatar from Kazakhstan Adgam Karimov, who took part in the liberation of Moscow, Rzhev, Smolensk, Vitebsk, Mogilev from the Nazi invaders.

Elvira Levshevich also noted that they would like the scientists of the Academy of Sciences to study the history of the Tatars living on Belarusian soil and publish their works.

The head of the branch of the International Public Association “Tatar-Bashkir Cultural Heritage Chishma” in the city of Vitebsk, Venera  Askarova, noted that her family moved from Kazan 42 years ago. They are people of science, they were invited to Minsk and since then they have settled in Belarus.

Venera Askarova spoke about the heroism of the Tatars during the liberation of Vitebsk from the Nazis. A monument has been erected in memory of them. She noted that evenings in memory of Musa Jalil and others are being held in Vitebsk, they are trying to attract youth to events.

The meeting of the President with compatriots was accompanied by creative performances.

At the end of the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the Tatars living in the Republic of Belarus for preserving the language and traditions of the Tatar people.

I am glad that such creative collectives are working  for you. In the future we are waiting for them in Kazan. We hope to continue to work closely with you, ”said the President of the Republic of Tatarstan.

At the end of the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov awarded active compatriots letters of thanks. They were awarded:

 

• Matshina Fagilya Mirzakhanovna – Member of the Presidium of the International Public Association “Tatar-Bashkir Cultural Heritage” Chishma “
• Nigmatullin John Minnigalimovich – Member of the Presidium of the International Public Association “Tatar-Bashkir Cultural Heritage” Chishma “
• Sitnikova Ramilya Damirovna – member of the Presidium of the International Public Association “Tatar-Bashkir Cultural Heritage” Chishma “.