“Izge Bolgar Zhyeny” Took Place in Bolgar

The Muslim gathering began with the “Tawba” event—a collective prayer where believers asked the Almighty for forgiveness of their sins. “Tawba” was held near the Small Minaret of the Bolgar Settlement and was led by the long-time spiritual inspiration behind this noble initiative—Talgat Khazrat Tadzhuddin, Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia. The event was also attended by Mufti of Tatarstan Kamil Khazrat Samigullin, imams and religious leaders from Tatarstan and the Central Spiritual Administration, guests of the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum,” participants of the All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Leaders, students, and all interested individuals. Together with Talgat Khazrat, the believers recited words of repentance and supplication for the mercy of the Almighty. The Supreme Mufti explained the necessity of repentance and seeking forgiveness, drawing upon verses from the Holy Quran and the hadiths of the beloved Prophet Muhammad ?.

The grand opening ceremony took place near the Memorial Sign commemorating the adoption of Islam. Welcoming speeches were delivered by Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Supreme Mufti Talgat Tadzhuddin, Mufti Ravil Gainutdin, Muftis Albir Krganov and Nafigulla Ashirov, Deputy Prime Minister Vasil Shaykhraziev, and Metropolitan Kirill of Kazan and Tatarstan.

The culmination of the day was the joint prayer and the recitation of dua for the ancestors and the well-being of the entire Ummah.

As part of the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeny,” the Halal Standards Committee under the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Tatarstan conducted an outreach program to inform guests about halal-certified products. Committee specialists explained the principles of certification, answered questions, shared informational materials, and encouraged new consumers to embrace the culture of conscious halal choices. This was another step toward strengthening trust in the halal system and raising religious awareness among the population.

In his welcoming speech, Mufti of Tatarstan Kamil Khazrat Samigullin reminded the audience of the wise advice of the Prophet Muhammad ?: “Value five things before five others come: life before death, health before illness, free time before becoming busy, youth before old age, and wealth before poverty.” Based on this hadith and Quranic verses, Kamil Khazrat called for gratitude to Allah, leaders, scholars, and benefactors. “Being grateful to Allah means performing salah,” concluded Kamil Khazrat, leading everyone to a congregational prayer at the Khan Mosque.

The jamaat prayer became the highlight of “Izge Bolgar Zhyeny.” It was also led by Supreme Mufti Talgat Khazrat Tadzhuddin. After the prayer, the believers recited dua—a memorial prayer for the ancestors who gave their lives for faith and the Motherland, as well as supplications for the well-being of the Muslim Ummah and all of Russia.

Participants of “Izge Bolgar Zhyeny” also had the opportunity to visit exhibitions at the Museum of Bulgar Civilization. Additionally, an interactive platform, “The History of Writing,” was presented. The Quran Museum hosted an exhibition dedicated to the history of “Kazan Basmasi” (Kazan printing) and a display dedicated to the book “Qissa-i Yusuf.” For all visitors, tours, fairs, educational workshops, and other events were available.

It is worth recalling that “Izge Bolgar Zhyeny” has been held in Bolgar since 1989 in memory of the day when the Volga Bulgars adopted Islam as the state religion in 922 and in commemoration of the meeting between Bulgar Khan Almush and the delegation of the Baghdad Caliphate led by scholar Ibn Fadlan.