Tourism Day at KIU

      In the university’s educational process, trips to the landmark sites of the native region play a key role in training students — future specialists in tourism and hospitality. Journeys develop professional thinking and skills, as well as a deep respect for the republic’s heritage — qualities without which it is impossible to become a true master of tourism.

      A grand-scale celebration, “Tourism Day,” was organized for students of the Faculty of Hospitality and Design, the college, and the Chistopol branch of KIU named after V.G. Timiryasov. The excursion center “Ostrov-Tur,” the official representative of the museum-reserve of the island-town Sviyazhsk, is located in one of the picturesque corners of our region — Bilyarsk. More than 150 KIU students visited this splendid gem of our region. There, the travelers were met with a rich cultural and educational program.

      Bilyar is not just an archaeological monument. In the 10th–13th centuries it was one of the cities of Volga Bulgaria, second in importance after Bolghar. Trade flourished here, they minted their own coins, and built stone mosques. Today, on the site of the ancient city, there is an endless field crossed by the barely perceptible contours of ramparts and moats. Students walk along paths where horse hooves once clattered.

      The students also visited the Bilyar State Historical, Archaeological and Natural Museum-Reserve. There, in cozy halls among ceramics, coins, weapons and jewelry, students heard the story of the ancient city, its rise and decline.

      The “Strelets’ Hut” exhibition left a particular impression on the students — a reconstructed 17th-century dwelling where every object — from a clay pot to wooden spinning wheels — tells its own story. Inside the hut there is a special atmosphere: warm light, the scent of pine logs, silence broken only by the whisper of the wind outside the window. Students were able not only to appreciate the daily life of 17th-century streltsy but also to sample a specially prepared treat — baked apples and kissel. The boldest tried their hand at spear throwing, demonstrating their accuracy and agility.

      The climax of the celebration was a concert dedicated to the great Tatar poet Kul Gali. A beautiful costumed show introduced the audience to the history of Bilyarsk, its legends and traditions, as well as the life and work of Kul Gali. Against the backdrop of the sunset, among golden hills, the music of Bilyar sounded — deep, earthy, imbued with the spirit of folk memory.

      A vivid event during the Tourism Day celebrations were the activities organized by KIU’s student travel club “Journey Through Time” as part of the “Tourist Spirit” campaign, conducted by the Association of Youth Active Tourism with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. Second-year students of the Department of Tourism prepared and delivered a short lecture for first-year students, where they explained the travel club’s format and plans for the coming year, and also organized an interactive game.

      We thank the head of the excursion center “Ostrov-Tur,” Gumer Damirovich Safin, as well as the Bilyar State Historical, Archaeological and Natural Museum-Reserve for organizing the excursion trip for students and faculty of the Faculty of Hospitality and Design of KIU named after V.G. Timiryasov to Bilyarsk. We thank “Travels Across Russia.” Many more interesting journeys and professional discoveries lie ahead for our students.

      Source: KIU

      29.09.2025 12:14

      More news about the event:

      Tourism Day at KIU

      In the university’s educational process, trips to the landmark sites of the native region play a key role in training students — future specialists in tourism and hospitality. 12:37 29.09.2025 IEUP - Kazan

      Tourism Day at KIU

      In the university’s educational process, trips to the landmark sites of the native region play a key role in training students — future specialists in tourism and hospitality. 12:14 29.09.2025 KIU - Kazan