On the advice of one sorcerer, the Bulgars had to carry a huge vat of water, and in the place where the water boils, 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 whom a miraculous spring beats, and about the terrible fire-breathing dragon, which has always been depicted on the coat of arms for many centuries, and many other interesting stories.
Unfortunately, no one can name the exact year of foundation of Kazan. The first mention of it in the Russian annals dates from 1376 and 1391, and in eastern sources - the 15th century. Geographer Rachkov suggested that Kazan was founded after the death of Batu in 1255.
But official is considered a completely different time 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 border fortress of the Volga Bulgaria, Kazan was part of the Golden Horde. This was a period of its economic growth. Due to the geographical location and the development of many types 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, war could not be avoided.
In 1552, the troops of Ivan the Terrible took Kazan. Numerous human losses in the August battle, and then the siege that lasted more than a month, left Kazan no chance. It was the hardest year in the history of the city. The foundations of Kazan, its lifestyle 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 the Old Tatar settlement. Kazan itself was actively begun to be settled by immigrants from Russian cities. In 1556, by order of Ivan the Terrible, the construction of the Kazan Kremlin began. The city was built up and developed economically. Many craft 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 Kazan University (1791 and 1804) secured the city the title of cultural and scientific center.
But there were tragic events in Kazan. The fire during the Pugachev uprising and subsequent fires in 1815 and 1842 thrice burned the city almost to the ground.
sights
Today, Kazan is deservedly considered the third capital of Russia. This unique multinational city combines a variety of cultures and religions.
Despite such a long year of foundation, 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 destructive wars, and the main ensemble of architectural buildings is represented by buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries.
But despite this, there are really a lot of attractions in Kazan.
- Museum of Islam (it presents archaeological sites of 10-11 centuries);
- Monument to the Kazan cat (erected by order of Catherine the Second);
- Temple of all religions;
- Peter and Paul Cathedral (built in honor of the patrons of Peter the Great - Peter and Paul);
- Holy Cross Church;
- Azimov mosque;
- House of Shamil;
- Holy Assumption Zilant Monastery;
- Kazan University;
- Al-Marjani Mosque (the first stone mosque built in Kazan after its capture by Ivan the Terrible. Permission issued by Catherine II herself);
- The Gostiny Dvor of Kazan (located on the site of a medieval caravanserai);
- Park of the 1000th anniversary of Kazan;
- Zababannaya mosque ;
- Blue Lake;
- The Temple of the Miraculous Image of the Savior (located on an island in the middle of Kazanka, built in memory of Russian soldiers who died during the capture of Kazan) and many others.
And, of course, the Kazan Kremlin, the most visited by tourists. This building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Laid in 1556, it is still the main administrative building. It is the residence of the president.
Impressive anniversary
In 2005, a round and important date came - the millennial history of Kazan was celebrated. The foundation of the city (date) attracted many people to the city. Only officials who visited the capital of Tatarstan in honor of the anniversary, there were 10 thousand. On the stages of the city were festive concerts.
A new hippodrome, a millennium park of Kazan, a fabulous cascade of musical fountains were opened for the anniversary. Also, the residents of the city expected a long-awaited gift in the form of the opening of the Kazan metro. The celebration ended with a magnificent thousand-salute fireworks.
Looking at today's splendor of the ancient city, it’s even hard to imagine what the year 2000 of the founding of Kazan will be.