"Saint Bolgar Gathering-2026: a complete guide to the sacred event"

      On May 17, thousands of believers will gather in Bolgar for the "Isge Bolgar Zhyen." This is the main spiritual event of the year in the republic. Guests can expect a collective prayer of repentance at the Small Minaret, a festive prayer at the Khan Mosque, the national wrestling "Köräş" with a valuable prize, and an Eastern fair. We provide the schedule by the hour.

      The organizers have announced the exact date and detailed program. In 2026, the "Isge Bolgar Zhyen" will take place on May 17. The event will traditionally be held at the Bolgar State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve. This day will mark the conclusion of a series of major events: a meeting of the culture ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the international economic forum KazanForum. This was announced at a press conference by the Deputy Minister of Culture of Tatarstan, Damir Natfullin.

      Why this place is called the heart of faith

      For Muslims of the Volga region, Bolgar is not just an ancient city. Islam came here peacefully. As emphasized by the first deputy mufti of the republic, Ilfar Hazrat Khasanov, even during times of persecution against religion, ancestors secretly traveled to Bolgar to pray. It was this land that helped the people preserve their faith.

      The most important part — the sacred prayer

      The central event of the "Isge Bolgar Zhyen" will be "Tawba" — a collective prayer of repentance. It will begin around 9:30 at the Small Minaret. The ceremony will be led by the Supreme Mufti of Russia, Talgat Hazrat Tajutdin, and the Mufti of Tatarstan, Kamil Hazrat Samigullin. They will be joined by imams, forum guests, students, and all willing participants. During the prayer, people will ask the Almighty to protect the fighters at the borders, wishing for them to return home alive and healthy. They will also remember those who fell for the Motherland and became martyrs. The climax will occur exactly at noon on the territory of the Khan Mosque. There, a collective prayer will be held, followed by a dua — a memorial prayer in honor of the ancestors, asking for well-being for all of Russia.

      What to do from morning till evening

      From nine to twelve o'clock, several interactive zones will operate at the Khan Mosque site. Lectures on Islam and the history of the Volga Bulgars will be given, as well as lessons on tying headscarves and turbans, and lessons on prayer for beginners. In the Museum of Bulgarian Civilization on the first floor, visitors can study ancient inks and try their hand at Arabic calligraphy.

      For art and history lovers, exhibitions will be held:

      At the Memorial Sign, paintings depicting views of Bolgar and an exhibition dedicated to the two-hundredth anniversary of Pushkin's cycle "Imitations of the Quran" will be shown. There, the "History of the Kazan Quran" will also be presented. In the Museum of Bulgarian Civilization, several exhibitions are open: a collection of faience and porcelain dishes, paintings, awards from the Great Patriotic War, and calligraphy art in the form of ancient shamails.

      Sports and Eastern bazaar

      A true highlight of the celebration will be the national wrestling "Köräş." It will begin at 9 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. The main prize for the champions is still kept secret. However, judging by previous years, the winner will not leave empty-handed. Previously, the strongest would go home in a Lada Granta car.

      There will also be a halal fair "Abystailar Khäzinäse" — translated as "Treasury of the Abysta." Forty artisans from Tatarstan, Mari El, Chuvashia, and Mordovia will bring handmade products. Leather and fur items, down headscarves, jewelry, national clothing, and halal products will be on sale.

      The main stage at the Memorial Sign will begin with a prologue and a solemn opening featuring the President of Tatarstan. Everything will conclude with a grand festive concert.

      A history with meaning

      The "Isge Bolgar Zhyen" has been held since 1989 in memory of the day the Volga Bulgaria adopted Islam in 922. It was then that a Baghdad embassy led by Ibn Fadlan arrived in these lands to the Bulgar Khan Almus. This visit marked the beginning of the official Islamic history of the peoples of the Volga region. Since 2013, the celebration has firmly established itself among the key religious events of the year.

      Diana Salikhzanova