On the eve of International Native Language Day, the Mayor of Kazan met with representatives of the Tatar intellectual community at the Kazan City Hall. During the meeting, they discussed issues of strengthening Tatar-language schools, creation of a municipal theater for teenagers and students, publishing the Kazan encyclopedia, and establishing a Tatar design bureau. Deputy Head of the Executive Committee, Guzel Sagitova, moderated the discussion.
«My great duty as the mayor the capital city of Tatarstan is to promote the development of our language and culture, this is something that is close to my heart. There are many things we want to achieve, considering the number of international events we host and the guests who visit us from all over the world. We should emphasize our national heritage», – the Mayor said welcoming the guests.
Ayrat Fayzrakhmanov, a PhD and head of the department for interaction with public organizations at the Tatarstan Ministry of Culture, voiced concern that every year, fewer people know the Tatar language. He proposed opening similar schools like Tatar school №2 in every district of Kazan.
Guzel Sagitova mentioned the Harakatt – barakat project, and said that in the future, they plan to hold a Tatar dance battle with a cash prize.
The idea of creating a municipal theater for teenagers and students was also announced.
Honored Scientist of Tatarstan, a PhD in Historical Sciences, Professor, and academician Iskander Gilyazov addressed the Mayor with a request for assistance in publishing the Kazan encyclopedia.
Ildar Ayupov, the author of Tatar IT projects and the founder of the scientific portal, suggested promoting the image of Zilant – a symbol of Tatarstan and holding modern exhibitions of media art.
Design engineer Nadir Bagaveyev suggested organizing a Tatar-language design bureau. The Mayor welcomed the idea: «We need to start training engineers».
The Mayor announced a construction of a new center near the Kamal Theater. A design bureau could be part of the new facility.
Zulfat Hakim, a Tatar author and performer, suggested creating a TV program called «Kazan On Air», which would focus on historical facts about the city and could lead to the creation of a TV show about Kazan.
Gulfiya Gainullina, a PhD and Associate Professor at KFU, requested the installation of a monument on the Amirkhan Yeniki Square.
Rustem Galiullin, a writer and editor of the Kazan Utlary magazine, and winner of the M. Jalil Republican Prize, suggested creating a dedicated transport route to honor Gabdulla Tukay.
«This meeting is extremely important to us. Today, we have no random guests. Although we may work in different areas, we have common concern for the development of the Tatar language, our present, and our future culture», – concluded Guzel Sagitova.