Congratulations to Rafael Valeev on his 70th birthday

Today marks the anniversary of renowned scholar and popularizer of cultural heritage, Rafael Mirgasimovich Valeev.

His path into science began as an archaeologist under the guidance of A.Kh. Khalikov. Today, R.M. Valeev is known for his work in cultural studies, art history, and museology. He pays particular attention to the preservation and promotion of historical and cultural material and non-material heritage. To this day, he remains the leading force behind the inclusion of sites in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Institute of Archaeology of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, in cooperation with Rafael Mirgasimovich, continues to conduct expert assessments of historical and cultural sites in Russia and the near abroad according to UNESCO international standards.

We wish Rafael Mirgasimovich good health, many years of scientific creativity, inexhaustible energy, and infectious, energizing optimism!

In the archival photo of the 1981 USPAC participants, R.M. Valeev is in the front row, third from the left.

Photos used are by G. Sagieva, from the archive of the Institute of Archaeology TAS, and from personal archives.