A delegation of Russia Muftis Council headed by mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin took part in celebrations devoted to the Day of Official Conversion of Volga Bulgaria to Islam 1125 years ago.

The celebrations of İzge Bolgar Cıyenı brought together more than 30 thousand people.

The honourable guests of the event included President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, state advisor of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, PM of the republic Ildar Khalikov, mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, first deputy minister of Islamic affairs and wakuf of Kuwait Dr Adel al-Falyah, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Azerbaijan Allahshukur Pashazadeh and spiritual leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Belarus and other states.

Prior to the official beginning of celebrations, President of Tatarstan met with Muslim spiritual leaders in the conference hall of Ak Mäçet complex. After that, guests visited the Memorial Sign on the territory of Bolgar Historical and Architectural Open-air Museum and were shown a Qur'an exhibition which includes translations of the Holy Qur'an into thirty languages.

President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated everyone with this special day and noted that spiritual leaders not only from Russia, but from post-Soviet and non-CIS countries as well were present on the ceremony.

Mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, greeting the guests in his turn, put a special emphasis on the historical importance of this event for the country's Muslims.

RMC press service