Dear people of Tatarstan!

Dear compatriots!

I cordially congratulate you on the fateful memorable date – the Day of official adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.

Almost eleven centuries separates us from the recognition of the Bulgarian state an integral part of the great Islamic civilization. I am sure that over the past century, the seeds of faith sown in fertile ground, sprouted and yielded rich spiritual fruits.

The adoption by Bulgars of the Islam largely determined the further development of our nation and statehood. Distribution of Hanafi beneficial effected on the formation of scientific knowledge, the strengthening of ethnic and religious diversity, national and international contacts. The rich legacy left by Bulgars theologians, got its worthy continuation in the works of prominent Tatar educators and religious leaders.

It is symbolic that this day – May 21, 2016 – on the same land where our ancestors converted to Islam, we are laying a memorial stone in the foundation of the Bulgarian Academy of Islam, to become one of the leading Muslim scientific, educational and spiritual and educational centers. The initiative of its creation, received the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, reflects the desire of the faithful to the spiritual revival, dissemination of genuine knowledge and traditional religious values.

Construction of the Bulgarian Academy of Islam will be carried out simultaneously with the re-creation of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan Mother of God Monastery. This is one of the confirmations of the sincerity of the ongoing course of the republic.

I am convinced that the current celebration of the official adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria is rich in events.

I wish you all peace, happiness and prosperity! Merciful Allah bless our good intentions!

RT President R.N. Minnikhanov