Starting at 9 o’clock in the morning, a huge queue formed at the entrance to the “Bashkortostan” concert hall, which eventually grew and spread all over the street: ordinary people from Bashkortostan, former partners and colleagues of Rakhimov, as well as as Statesmen from other regions came and came to say goodbye to Murtaza Rakhimov and express condolences to his wife Louise Galimovna, as well as all relatives.
So, the plenipotentiary representative of the President of Russia in the Volga Federal District, Igor Komarov, came to the funeral rally. He called Murtaza Rakhimov a large-scale personality, a true leader who devoted his whole life to serving the interests of the peoples of Bashkortostan.
The people of Bashkortostan bring flowers to the coffin with the body of the first President of the Republic of Belarus Photo: Gulnazira Ishberdina
– At a very difficult time for our country, you played an important role in creating the foundations for the dynamic development of today’s republic, in order to turn it into an economically powerful region. When you come to Bashkiria, you literally see its legacy, you feel its influence. Today we say goodbye to Murtaza Gubaidullovich Rakhimov, but his work lives on, his memory lives on in our memory, in our hearts, ”Igor Komarov said.
The head of the Republic of Belarus, Radiy Khabirov, noted something important: everyone in the republic has their own history associated with the first president of the Republic of Belarus.
– Today I want to bow deeply to Murtaza Gubaidullovich for preserving our region, for protecting our Russia, for making Bashkortostan a leading region, a very authoritative subject of the Russian Federation, for a strong economy and caring for people, for our native languages, culture, spirituality, which he treasured with all his heart. It is really amazing that every family in Bashkiria has its own story related to Murtaza Gubaidullovich, there is a good memory of him. Many people remember his handshake, support, kind words, and sometimes reproaches and harsh instructions. Goodbye, dear Murtaza Gubaidullovich, today we all thank you for everything: help, wise advice, your trust, – said Radiy Khabirov.
Mintimer Shaimiev, the first President of the Republic of Tatarstan, said kind words about his friend and neighbor: “For many years we worked with him in parallel. And they competed, and they were jealous, and they argued, but they found a common language, although it was not easy to find a common language between him and me. Why? Because work is work. He worked, he worked well, he left a good mark.
The current head of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, also spoke at the funeral ceremony. He said that Murtaza Rakhimov was a person close to Tatarstan. He called his death a great loss not only for Bashkiria, but for all of Russia.
Many speakers noted the fact that Murtaza Rakhimov knew people not only by their positions, but also by their names. He traveled extensively throughout the republic and personally met simple combine operators, laborers, doctors, and teachers. And, having met once, I did not forget, I was always sincerely interested in success.
Since yesterday, telegrams with words of condolence have been arriving in the republic. So, the Head of Bashkiria, Radiy Khabirov, received a government telegram from the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matvienko.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of the first President of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Murtaza Gubaidullovich Rakhimov. A man of rare professional and personal qualities passed away, an outstanding statesman who dedicated all his forces to faithful service to the people and the Homeland. Murtaza Gubaidullovich was invariably guided by the interests of his native republic, made an invaluable contribution to its development and prosperity, brought the region’s economy and social sphere to a new level, ”says the telegram.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ also sent a telegram of condolences.
Murtaza Rakhimov paid a lot of attention to strengthening inter-ethnic and inter-religious peace in the republic. It is no coincidence that the leaders of all traditional faiths in Bashkortostan have come to say goodbye to him. The Supreme Mufti of Russia Talgat Tadzhuddin expressed condolences to him and read a prayer for the deceased.
– Today we have gathered to see off our Murtaza Gubaidullovich on a long and very short journey. Blessed is he who created death and life to test you. We have been on the road since we were born. A tireless worker who worked for the benefit of Bashkortostan. All those who came to say goodbye spoke kind words today, testifying before the Creator about the life of Murtaza Gubaidullovich,” said the chairman of the Central Spiritual Directorate for Music of the Russian Federation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has just arrived in Ufa to say goodbye to Murtaza Rakhimov.
Recall that Murtaza Rakhimov died on the night of January 11 at the age of 89 after a long illness.
Murtaza Rakhimov will be buried in the Ufa Muslim cemetery.
