Protection of Cultural Landmarks

Over the past two centuries the image of Bashkortostan capital has changed dramatically. The heart of the city, though, still beats in its "old" center. Historical events and people’s lives intertwine in the narrow streets and squares behind the high "concrete jungle."

Ufa is a bright example of style deflection: it is here that the rare works of ancient architects and stone masons still exist. Today our modern megapolis features truly beautiful pearls: merchant and nobility houses, monasteries, shops and even the first private publishing house!

Ufa did not put on its stone apparel until 1830-40s, when the layout by William Heste made the streets of the city run away from the Guest Court. For a half of a century the city with a host of typical buildings represented a unique architectural and style integrity: the classicism of the age of Emperor Nicholas.

Even now in early 21st century scientists and archeologists continue discovering things. The famous ancient settlement Ufa-II was found in the old part of the city during the routine utility works. This site of Republican significance is currently under state protection.

The latest list of Ufa cultural landmarks contains more than 800 items, including 693 buildings. The best part of them requires state examination in order to be duly included into the register.

History proves that protection of historical and cultural landmarks is a serious social problem. It must be one of the major necessities of the Russian society.

Rustem Khamitov, the President of the Bashkortostan Republic:
"…We shape the cultural and living environment of our cities and villages in terms of our capabilities and resources. Later, though, the environment shapes us, too. If the environment decays and dilapidates for decades, it has a negative impact upon people, first of all young people… We must employ modern technologies, bold and ingenious solutions to make a model of the integral image of the urban area. All these tasks of developing the cultural environment must be considered to be a vital part of state investment into the human development…
With the aim of saving its cultural potential and heritage and in order to effectively use it, the Republic of Bashkortostan takes part in the Federal Target Program "Russian Culture" (2012-2018)."

Besides, there are a number of regulatory legal acts, which define the powers and activities aimed at protecting the cultural heritage. The major ones include: