The traveler's thirst can be quenched without leaving the borders of his native land. If you do not have a passport, did not open a Schengen visa or simply do not have extra money, do not despair. Visit Bulgars (Tatarstan), the sights of which can surprise even a very sophisticated tourist.
General information
The city of Bulgars (Tatarstan), the sights of which we will consider in our article, is very beautiful. Located on the left bank of the mighty Volga River, it is a real gem of the republic. It is 140 km from the capital of the region.
The first mention of it is recorded in documents from 922. But the settlement arose earlier, after Almas (Almush at Ibn Fadlan) united tribes speaking the same language. In the tenth century, the Bulgars acquire the status of the capital of the state, and Islam becomes the dominant religion.
The city (Bolgar, Bulgar, Great Bulgars) owes its name to the ancient Volga Bulgarians (or Volgars, that is, residents of the Volga) who lived in this area.
The rich city of Bulgars (Tatarstan), the sights of which will be discussed below, was a center of trade, science and culture. Coins were minted in it, crafts developed, many prominent people sought here. But there were dark bands in history: the invasion of the Mongols (before the invasion of Russia), the destruction of Bulak-Timur in 1361, the siege of Vasily the Dark. But each time the settlement rebelled from the ruins, and in the 16th century it became part of the Russian Empire.
Bulgars (Tatarstan): attractions, photos
The city is called the Northern Mecca, because here in June a holiday is celebrated regarding the adoption of Islam. But not only pilgrims come to Bulgars: tourists do not ignore the most interesting places of the settlement.
Most architectural monuments date back to 13-14 centuries, that is, to the period of greatest prosperity. Currently, work is underway to restore these attractions. This is, first of all, an ancient settlement that preserved the greatness of the Golden Horde. On its territory, enclosed by an earthen rampart, are located the Khan's tomb, the Cathedral Mosque, a bathhouse, several chambers (Black, Red, White and Greek), the Church of St. Nicholas, the Monastery Cellar, the Minaret, mausoleums and more. Recently, the ancient Bulgars (Tatarstan), the sights of which we describe, are included in the UNESCO list.
Of interest to travelers is the wooden church of Abraham of Bulgaria (1989), the Bread Museum, the Captain's well (the source that arose at the place where the staff of Gabdrahman touched the ground; the water in it healed the daughter of the khan, thanks to which he converted to Islam).
What do travelers say?
Worth attention of tourists is the city of Bulgars (Tatarstan)! Sights (reviews about them are only the best) are really unique. People really like the White Mosque. The magnificent architecture, perfect lines, an ensemble reminiscent of a fairy tale captivates the eye. Guests note that the strict white color in which the building is designed harmoniously combines with a pond, space and silence. It combines both luxury and laconicism of the East. No wonder this mosque is compared with the Taj Mahal! Therefore, travelers want to come back here again and again!
Instead of an afterword
The city not only carefully cares about preserving the sights of the past. Bulgarians are building new facilities that can attract tourists. These are modern hotels, temples, museums. Cozy on the surface of the Volga river station is located. He kind of invites you to visit a settlement that can tell a lot about the history of the region.