Kazan

One of Russia's largest cities and the capital city of Tatarstan, modern day Kazan is a very large industrial, commerical and cultural center in Russia. It is also the most important center of Tatar culture. Originally founded by the Volga Bulgars, the city went from strength to strength first as a border post, then as a trade center. It was a good place which shield refugees from Mongolia and was known for it's trade in furniture. Later, it was forcibly taken by Russia and it was at this stage that a lot of the Tatar residents were killed, repressed or Christianized. Places of traditional worship were ruined and the original Tatar population was forced to settle outside the city.  Though the city suffered under Russian rule at this time, it was rebuilt and continually in use throughout the years. During the rein of Catherine the Great, there was a rebirth of religious tolerance and mosques were allowed to be built in the city once more. However, there was still a lot of discrimination against the Tatar people which persisted through the years as the city grew ever more. After the Russian Revolution in 1905, Kazan was finally revived as a Tatar cultural center. And so slowly Tater theaters and newspapers began to appear and the culture began to be revived. This great cities cultural legacy was once again threatened during the first and second world wars, but it was soon revived again in the 1990's. The city has been undergoing a complete renovation since the beginning of the new millennium and a metro system is being built. 



Today Kazan has some amazingly beautiful sites such as the citadel which was declared a World Heritage Site in the year 2000. There is also the Annunciation Cathedral with its' five beautiful domes and the Soyembika Tower which leans strangely. You will also find many walls and towers which have been reconstructed over the years and the haunting remains of the Saviour Monastery. These are just a few of the magnificent sites in Kazan. Many of the buildings are splendidly ornate and leave an indelible mark on your memory. Kazan is truly a city worth visiting.

Facts about Kazan

Area: 425 sq km
Location: Located in the center of the European part of Russia on the banks of the Volga and the Kama Rivers.
Geographic coordinates: 55 45 N, 49 10 E
Population: 1,110,000 (2005 est.)
Foundation: Second half of the 13th century
Climate: Temperate with warm summers and pretty cold winters.
UTC/GMT Offset: UTC/GMT + 3 hours
Area code: 8432
Major attractions: Kremlin, Kazan University, Peter and Paul Cathedral.