I.Metshin: “Now there are many platforms where the national language has become a tool for communication, for entertainment and creativity”

Today, national and cultural projects and events aimed at preserving the Tatar language are being successfully implemented in Kazan. These include the Almash family project, the Kharekatte-Barekatte dance sessions, the new Zhyrly Sishambe vocal project, and many others. All of them are popular among local residents and tourists. Guzel Sagitova, Deputy Mayor of Kazan, announced at the Business Monday meeting. 

“Such events break down the stereotypes that national projects and national culture are old-fashioned and archaic. Today, we see how traditions are integrated into modern life through open-air events, various dance battles, comics, applications, and modern music. They are becoming more popular. There are now platforms where the national language has become not only a tool for communication, but also for entertainment and creativity,”- said the Mayor of Kazan. 

The Mayor noted that projects such as “Kharekatte – Barekatte”, “Zhyrly Sishambe” and “Almash” help to practice the native language comfortably, even for beginners. 

“It is very important to create relevant content for our children and young people. It is very important that the language lives: parents and children should speak it not only in families, but also in kindergartens, schools, and teenage clubs,”- the Mayor emphasized. 

Ilsur Metshin added that not all these initiatives are being carried out for show. The festivals have a wide audience, they become the highlights of the tourist calendar, and attract tourists to come to Kazan. They form the unique cultural code of the capital of Tatarstan, the emotions of the city: “We must not forget that our multinational Russia is looking at Kazan. Many take an example. Moreover, Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, is a kind of Mecca for all our Tatars living abroad: they enjoy watching both TNV- channel and programs in their native language. Therefore, dear colleagues, our work must be built precisely in this context, understanding the full responsibility to our national republic. And we will continue this work”.