MOSCOW, July 29 (RIA Novosti) - The celebration of Kazan's (the capital of Tatarstan) 1,000th anniversary in late August-early September will strengthen inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony, Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, Chairman of the Council of Russian Muftis, said.
"This holiday is highly important not only to Tatarstan and Russia but also for the world," he said. "Kazan is a historical, cultural, and spiritual center for many nations."
He also said representatives of many nations and religions and statesmen from many countries would attend the anniversary celebrations.
Tatarstan is an example of the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims and people of different nationalities and religions, Gainutdin said.
He also said the recent celebration of the 450th anniversary of the Kazan eparchy and the openings of the restored Orthodox Annunciation Cathedral and the new Kul Sharif Mosque in the Kazan Kremlin strengthened tolerance and cooperation between Russian ethnic groups.
