On May 17, 2026, the traditional “Izge Bolgar Zhiyeny” solemn event dedicated to the Day of the official adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria took place on the territory of the Bolgar Museum-Reserve.
The event attracts tens of thousands of people from all over the country and many compatriots from abroad. The Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, the Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia Khazrat Talgat Tadzhuddin, the Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation Ravil Khazrat Gainutdin, the Mufti of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia Albir Khazrat Krganov, the Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Asian Part of Russia Nafigulla Khazrat Ashirov, the Chairman of the Office of the Muslim Religious Association in the Republic of Belarus Abu-Bekir Khazrat Shabanovich, and Bishop Pakhomiy of Chistopol and Nizhnekamsk attended the festive events.
The official opening of the holiday took place on the stage in front of the Memorial Sign. Rustam Minnikhanov noted that the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum” was held in the capital of Tatarstan during these days. Representatives from about 100 countries and 75 Russian regions participated in the events. In particular, the annual meeting of the “Russia-Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group and the XVI Forum of Tatar Religious Leaders were held.
“One of the main events is taking place today – Izge Bolgar Zhiyeny. The respected Sheikh Talgat Tadzhuddin was at the origins of this holiday. It is important to remember and honor our traditions,” said the Head of the Republic. He also noted the great contribution of the first President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev to the revival of Ancient Bolgar.
After the official opening of the holiday, a noon prayer was held at the Cathedral Mosque.
A number of events took place on this day. A vibrant cultural and educational program was presented on the main stage of the holiday. At the Museum of Bulgarian Civilization, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, the Bolgar Museum-Reserve, and the “Medina” Publishing House presented the exhibition “Preserving the Holy Memory. Duty! Honor! Bravery!” dedicated to the military feats of Russian soldiers in XIX-XXI centuries.
The exhibition of paintings by the participants of the second Art Symposium “Victory Awards” – an exhibition of badges from the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, and the exhibition of shamails “Art of Calligraphy” also continued. The exhibition “The World of the Quran” worked at the “Memorial Sign” museum and exhibition complex.
An interactive platform “The History of Writing” was presented to all guests where they could learn about the technology of producing medieval ink and study Arabic calligraphy.
The maydan hosted competitions in the national belt wrestling sport known as “Koresh.” Additionally, a fair of folk art and decorative crafts worked during the festival.
This year, the festival attracted 25,000 visitors.

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