UNESCO Adds Russian Site To World Heritage List

Part of the Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex.

Bolgar is said to represent the cultural exchanges and transformations of Eurasia over several centuries.

Many buildings are examples of Muslim architecture from the Middle Ages.

The addition to the UNESCO Heritage List was the only one from Russia this year. 

The complex is a symbolic reminder of the acceptance of Islam by the Volga-Bolgars in 922 AD and remains a sacred pilgrimage destination for Tatar Muslims.

A detail from one of the historical buildings.