History and year of foundation of Kazan

On the advice of one sorcerer, the Bulgars had to carry a huge vat of water, and in the place where water would boil, you need to build a city. And a miracle happened on the shore of Lake Kleban. This was the beginning of the birth of the Kazan Khanate.

How it all began

This is just one of many beautiful legends that surround the foundation of Kazan. There are versions about the skull of a pious Muslim, from which beats a miraculous spring, and about a terrible fire-breathing dragon, which is invariably depicted on the coat of arms for many centuries, and many other interesting stories.

The exact year of foundation of Kazan, unfortunately, can not be named yet. The first mention of it in the Russian chronicle dates back to 1376 and 1391 years, and in the eastern sources - the 15th century. Geographer Rachkov assumed that Kazan was founded after the death of Batu in 1255.

But the official time is quite different, when the foundation of Kazan took place. The date of 1005 is based on the results of archaeological excavations in the Kazan Kremlin.

For a long time, erected as a frontier fortress of the Volga Bulgaria, Kazan was part of the Golden Horde. This was the period of its economic growth. Thanks to the geographical location and development of many kinds of crafts, trade and economic ties were established with Turkey, Crimea, Moscow, etc.

New era

Then there was a period of rather difficult relations with Moscow. And despite the fact that diplomatic relations were maintained between the cities, it was not possible to avoid war.

In 1552 the troops of Ivan the Terrible took Kazan. Numerous human losses in the August battle, and then lasted more than a month of siege left Kazan no chance. This was the most difficult year in the history of the city. The foundations of Kazan, its way of life were completely revised, and after the fall of the city in October 1552, a new era of development of the city as part of the Russian state began.

The local population was outside the city, and the place of their settlement began to be called Staro-Tatar sloboda. Kazan itself was actively started to settle immigrants from Russian cities. In 1556, on the orders of Ivan the Terrible, the construction of the Kazan Kremlin began. The city was built and economically developed. A lot of handicraft settlements appeared, bridges were built, the first manufactories were created.

During the reign of Peter the Great, Kazan received the status of the capital of the Kazan province. And the opening of the permanent theater and the University of Kazan (1791 and 1804) ensured the city the title of a cultural and scientific center.

But there were tragic events in Kazan. The fire during the Pugachev uprising and subsequent fires in 1815 and 1842 three times burned the city almost to the ground.

sights

Today, Kazan deservedly is considered the third capital of Russia. This unique multinational city combines a diversity of cultures and religions.

Despite such a long-standing foundation year, Kazan failed to preserve truly historical monuments.

Most of the ancient buildings and archival documents on the management of Kazan were destroyed by numerous fires and devastating wars, and the main ensemble of architectural structures is represented by the buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries.

But despite this, there are really many sights in Kazan.

• The Museum of Islam (it presents archaeological sites of the 10th and 11th centuries);
• The monument to the Kazan cat (erected on the orders of Catherine II);
• Temple of all religions;
• Peter and Paul Cathedral (erected in honor of the patrons of Peter the Great - Peter and Paul);
• Holy Exaltation of the Temple;
• The Azimov mosque;
• The house of Shamil;
• The Holy Assumption Zilant Monastery;
• Kazan University;
• The Al-Mardjani Mosque (the first stone mosque built in Kazan after its capture by Ivan the Terrible, permission was issued by Catherine II herself);
• Gostiny dvor of Kazan (located on the site of a medieval caravan-shed);
• The park of the 1000th anniversary of Kazan;
• Filled Mosque;
• Blue Lake;
• The Church of the Savior's Image of the Savior (located on an island in the middle of Kazanka, built in memory of Russian soldiers who died in the capture of Kazan) and many others.

And, of course, the most visited by the tourists is the Kazan Kremlin. This building is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Established in 1556, it is now the main administrative building. It houses the president's residence.

Impressive anniversary

In 2005, a round and important date came - the thousand-year history of Kazan was celebrated. The foundation of the city (date) attracted many people to the city. Only the officials who visited the capital of Tatarstan in honor of the anniversary, there were 10 thousand. On the stages of the city there were festive concerts.

To the anniversary were opened a new race track, the park of the Millennium of Kazan, a fabulous cascade of musical fountains. Also residents of the city expected a long-awaited gift in the form of opening of the Kazan underground. Celebrated the celebration of the magnificent thousand-mile salute.

Looking at today's splendor of the ancient city, it is even difficult to imagine what the year 2000 will be the foundation of Kazan.