18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
The Great Bolgar

A Muslim woman with an umbrella nearThe Assumption Church (Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and Cathedral Mosque with the Big Minaret lit at night Eid al-Fitr (also known as Uraza Bairam) amid the pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The chairman of Russia's Spiritual Governance for Muslims has called on Muslims to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at home and watch a live streamed service. Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Tatarstan is deservedly considered a skilful guardian of the traditions of its people and two religions: Orthodoxy and Islam. On the coast of the Royal Volga, among the picturesque nature, one of the many national historical reserves - ancient Bolgar-is conveniently located. In the past, as a center of trade and culture, for many centuries of existence, the city managed to preserve its ancient grandeur, immortalized in unshakable mausoleums, mosques, chambers and tombs. Today, the Bulgar hillfort is a protected complex fenced with moats, where time stops its inexorable run, providing an opportunity to see, feel and touch eternity.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2020
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Bolgar, Russia
Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Copyright: © Alexey Nasyrov