The 17th World Conference of Historical Cities opened today at
the Kazan City Hall. It brought together experts from different cities
-specialists in the field of preserving the native language, ethnic harmony,
folk traditions, folklore and architectural monuments. During the conference,
which will be held in a regular and remote mode until June 26, participants
will discuss initiatives to preserve folk traditions, language, culture and
history.
The Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin welcomed the participants of the
conference. The head of the city noted that for the first time the League of
Historical Cities World Conference is being held in Russia, and thanked
colleagues from other cities for their confidence.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our plans: the date of the conference
was postponed, some participants could not come to Kazan, to Russia. However,
the meeting was not canceled, giving the chance to expand the geography of
participants, exchange useful experiences and get to know each other better. We
will try our best to make everyone who came to Kazan these days feel the
hospitality and warmth of our hearts. And we have prepared a rich program for
online participants to get acquainted with our traditions and customs”, - he
said.
I.Metshin stressed that Kazan is a multinational city, where a careful
attitude to cultural wealth is inherited from generation to generation. “Modern
cities are not just a combination of high-rise buildings, malls and
architectural monuments, but first of all, people, keepers of traditional
culture, preserving the ties of times, destinies and values. Traditions, ways
of life, stories that have left their imprint in ornaments, symbols, and crafts
are the basis of the identity and uniqueness of our cities”, - the Mayor
believes.
For example, the House of Friendship between Peoples of Tatarstan was
established more than 20 years, where representatives of all nationalities
living in the city create and develop their native culture, learn their native
language. In addition, the current year has been declared the Year of Native
Languages and National Unity.
Daisaku Kadokawa, Chairman of the League of Historical Cities, Mayor of
Kyoto (Japan), in turn, thanked Kazan for hosting the conference during this
difficult period.
Evgenia Lodvigova, deputy head of the Kazan municipality, noted that the
city won the right to host the conference in 2018 in Bursa. “We were thoroughly
preparing for this conference, we hosted the board of directors meeting of the
League of Historical Cities. The program was adopted. We are waiting for days
of fruitful work. We will talk about heritage, culture, and the preservation of
monuments. Many scientists and experts from all over the world gathered. It is
planned to listen 67 speeches, about 200 cities will join us,” - she said.