On the eve of the Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov held a personal reception of citizens. Ilydar Shakirov, head of the Yatagan ethno group, addressed the issue of providing support for the development of the musical collective to the Head of Bashkortostan.

The Yatagan group was founded in 2014 by graduates of the UGAI named after Z. Ismagilov with the aim of preserving and popularizing the ethnic music of the peoples of the republic. The collective performs its compositions on exclusive Bashkir folk instruments, including scimitar, kyl-kubyz, kubyz, kurai, dumbyr, Bishkyl, as well as instruments of other nations of the world combined with modern arrangements.
 
"Yatagan" represents the republic at various international competitions and festivals. This year the collective became a laureate of the International Festival of Ethnic Music and Crafts "World of Siberia" in the nomination "Instrumental Ensemble". More recently, the group has released an official album, which will be distributed not only on physical media, but also via Internet platforms.
 
Ildar Shakirov said that the collective was named in honor of the ancient Turkic instrument - yatagan - relative of goose and Japanese koto, on which accompanied epic legends. "Yatagan" is the only ensemble in which he sounds in full voice. The head of the republic asked about the device of the instrument and played on it a small melody.
 
- I first saw you a couple of years ago, I look after you, I listen at concerts, - said Rustem Khamitov. "I really like your sound."
 
The head of the region instructed Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Belarus Salavat Sagitov to work out possible options for rendering assistance to the music group.