Today in Bolgar (Republic of Tatarstan) Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee, Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan and Mintimer Shaimiev, State Counselor of the Republic of Tatarstan visited the International Center for Archaeological Research constructed by Gazprom.

The new Center for Archaeological Research equipped at the highest technical level has become the first one in Russia in the recent decades to have been constructed right at an excavation site, thus making it possible to analyze, conserve and store the finds right after discovering them.

“Gazprom has the greatest respect for Russian historical heritage. That is why we were actively involved in creating the International Center for Archaeological Research at the location of the ancient town of Bulgar.

The equipment of the Center may well be envied by many experts not only in Russia, but worldwide as well. It has everything required for research and restoration. I wish the researches of the Center to unearth new historical mysteries. Let your research arouse keener interest of Russia and Tatarstan's residents in the national history,” said Alexey Miller.

Mintimer Shaimiev awarded Alexey Miller with a letter of gratitude from the Republican Fund for the Revival of Historic and Cultural Monuments of Tatarstan.

Background

The International Center for Archaeological Research is situated in the Bolgar Historical and Architectural Museum Reserve which is currently applying for the federal status. Here are the ruins of the ancient town of Bulgar that used to be a part of Volga Bulgaria.

Opened on May 21, 2013, the Center is equipped with up-to-date archaeological research and restoration laboratories, a conference hall, a digital archive, a library and a hotel for 25 people. Gazprom allocated RUB 58 million for its construction.