Volga Bulgaria adopted Islam in 922. The most important event that marked the establishment of Islam in Bulgaria was an exchange of embassies between Almysh and Baghdad Caliph al-Muktadir. Despite the fact that Islam was quite widespread in the Volga region, the achievement of this embassy was the “diplomatic recognition” of Bulgaria as an Islamic country. Since that time, no geographical writing could get along without mentioning the Bulgars, and ties with countries of Islam developed and strengthened.
In the late 10th and early 11th centuries, Volga Bulgaria became a country of “classical Islam”. As early as from the beginning of the 10th century, the Arab-Persian historical and geographical convention stated that Bulgars had two main cities: Bolgar and Suvar. By the end of the 10th century, Bulgaria acted as a Muslim country on the international scene; numerous commercial, cultural and political ties connected it with the countries of Central and Western Asia and the Middle East.
Tatarstan began to celebrate officially this holiday only in 2010, and since then, it has been viewed upon as one of the most significant in the country. This holiday symbolizes the connection between generations in Tatarstan and respect for one of the oldest religions in the country. The main festive events are held in the city of Bolgar, where Islam was adopted. The believers take part in the solemn midday namaz. They put up tents in Bolgar, cook pilaf and other treats, and socialize with each other. An obligatory part of the program is speeches by officials, the opening of new cultural sites and trade fairs; the evening crowns with a grand gala concert.
The postage stamp provides an image of the White Mosque in Bolgar.
In addition to the issue of the postage stamp, JSC Marka produced First Day Covers and special cancels for Moscow and Kazan.
Design Artist: N. Karpova.
Face value: 50 rubles.
Stamp size: 42×30 mm, sheet size: 143×170 mm.
Emission form: a sheet with formatted margins with 15 (3×5) stamps.
Quantity: 120 thousand stamps (8 thousand sheets).
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