As part of the “Aqyl Fabrikasy” project, the World Forum of Tatar Youth is organizing roundtable discussions focused on key areas such as media, contemporary culture, history, education, digital technologies, and business. The goal is to engage in meaningful discussions, generate fresh ideas, and drive progress in these fields.
On January 25, a roundtable dedicated to history took place at the headquarters of the World Congress of Tatars.
The discussion brought together prominent experts, including:
- lmaz Khalilullin, Head of the Committee on Work with Tatar Youth;
- Damir Iskhakov, Doctor of Historical Sciences, ethnographer;
- Iskander Gilyazov, Doctor of Historical Sciences, public figure;
- Ilnur Mirgaliyev, Head of the M.A. Usmanov Center for the Study of the Golden Horde and Tatar Khanates at the Sh. Marjani Institute of History, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan;
- Enzhe Dusaeva, historian, cultural expert, and film director;
- Ayrat Fayzrakhmanov, historian, Candidate of Historical Sciences;
- Mariya Mineeva, Head of the “Tatneft-Miras” project;
- Ilnar Garifullin, Candidate of Historical Sciences; and others.
The Importance of Preserving and Popularizing History
Damir Iskhakov emphasized the need to preserve Tatarstan’s local history and make it more accessible to younger generations through youth organizations and regional history projects.
Iskander Gilyazov pointed out the challenge of historical perception, where narratives often swing between two extremes—either portraying history as “pitiful” or “glorious.” He stressed the importance of finding a balanced perspective and highlighted the role of lesser-known historical figures in shaping Tatar history.
Ilnur Mirgaliyev underscored the urgency of developing history textbooks on Tatarstan and creating a clear historical narrative.
“We need to implement concrete projects in education, culture, and tourism,” he stated.
Filmmaker and historian Enzhe Dusaeva proposed the idea of a creative cluster to promote history through art and cultural projects. “A unified ecosystem is crucial—we need to integrate historical research, culture, and regional studies into a single platform,” she noted.
Ayrat Fayzrakhmanov emphasized the importance of developing cultural events such as historical festivals, including “Old Kazan,” and called for closer collaboration between historians and urban development initiatives.
The Role of Youth and Digital Technologies
Almaz Khalilullin, Head of the Committee on Work with Tatar Youth, spoke about the necessity of modernizing historical education:
“Studying history and presenting it in contemporary formats is essential for engaging Tatar youth. We must adopt creative approaches to historical storytelling and develop projects that capture young people’s interest.”
He highlighted key initiatives:
- Promoting historical heritage through youth organizations, including discussion clubs, interactive platforms, and historical quests.
- Leveraging digital media and technology to create podcasts on Tatar history, launch thematic channels, and develop engaging social media content.
Mariya Mineeva, head of the “Tatneft-Miras” project, proposed the creation of an interactive historical map of Tatarstan. She also suggested organizing hackathons, tourism projects, and competitions to generate innovative ideas.
Dr. Ilnar Garifullin proposed the establishment of a history seminar school, which would bring together researchers, educators, and specialists for collaborative projects and training programs.
Moving Forward: New Directions in Tatar Historical Research
During the discussion, experts explored the possibilities of establishing a historical commission, accrediting specialized academic programs, and developing educational initiatives and digital archives. Special attention was given to finding new ways to make history more engaging and relevant to modern youth—ensuring it is accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
The proposals outlined during the roundtable will form the foundation for further work at the IX World Forum of Tatar Youth, helping to develop new initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting Tatar history.
