An International Academy of Knowledge on the Polish Tatar mountain people opens in Sokółka, northeastern Poland, today.

The event offers the participants the opportunity to become acquainted with the culture of the Tatar community in the country.

The programme includes a number of attractions, including a reenactment of the Battle of Kłuszyn, fought between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Russia in 1610, a horseback riding show, and archery competitions, says Józef Konopacki, from the Museum of the Sokółka Commune:

"Participants will be able to tryout  their skills at archery. We will also show the nobility of the Podlasie region. There will be a variety of stands with diverse regional cuisine. The programme also includes performances by ensembles from different minority groups,” he told Polish Radio.

This year’s academy will open with an educational session devoted to Tatars in the Podlasie Province, alongside an unveiling ceremony of a Monument of Multiculturalism.

There are about 5,000 indigenous Muslims inhabiting Poland, most of whom are Tatars and their descendants. The Tatars have been living on Polish territory for 600 years. Most of them reside in Białystok, Sokółka and the town of Suchowola.  (ab)