The historical and architectural complex of the Kazan Kremlin was included in the World Heritage List in 2000. It includes unique objects of cultural heritage, such as “Walls and Towers, 1555-1568”, “Annunciation Cathedral, 1562”, “Syuyumbike Tower, mid-17th century”, “Palace Church, beginning of the 18th century.” , “Governor’s Palace, mid-19th century.”
The Kazan Kremlin is an outstanding example of the synthesis of artistic styles, demonstrates the interpenetration of various cultures (Bulgar, Golden Horde, Tatar, Russian) and reflects the originality of successive historical eras.
Most of the objects are under the management of the Kazan Kremlin State Historical-Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve.
History Of The Kazan Kremlin
Prerequisites For The emergence of a Fortified Settlement
The Kazan Kremlin has gone through a number of historical stages in its centuries-old development.
Favorable natural and geographical conditions have long attracted people to this region. The Kremlin hill was once surrounded by water on three sides. From the east, it was framed by a chain of lakes flowing into the Kazanka River, washing the hill from the north. A strip of swampy swampy meadows, located on the opposite bank of the Kazanka, behind which dense forests stretched, served as an additional barrier against the invasion of enemies from the northwest. From the west and south-west, the fortress was defended by the muddy channel Bulak.
The settlement of the Kremlin hill began in ancient times. The earliest finds found in this area date back to the Mesolithic era. Finds such as ceramics, fragments of a drilled battle ax and a number of others testify to the development of this area back in the Bronze Age.
The emergence of Kazan took place against the general historical background of the formation of cities in Eastern Europe, in particular, during the formation of the state of Volga Bulgaria.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kazan Kremlin
Q. What is Kazan famous for?
A – Kazan is famous for its vibrant mix of Tatar and Russian cultures. In 2015, 2.1 million tourists visited Kazan, and 1.5 million tourists visited the Kazan Kremlin, a World Heritage Site. In April 2009, the Russian Patent Office granted Kazan the right to brand itself as “Russia’s Third Capital”.
Q. When was the Kazan Kremlin built?
A – The Kazan Kremlin was built in 1552 on the orders of Ivan the Terrible. He had just conquered and destroyed the fortress of the Kazan Khanate, and he built the Kremlin on top of the ruined fortress to demonstrate his power.
Q. Was the Kremlin a Mosque?
A – The Kul Sharif Mosque (Tatar: Cyrillic ол риф ете, Latin Qol rif mäçete; Russian: ечеть л-Шариф, Romanized: Mechet’ Kul-Sharif), located in the Kazan, at the time of its construction – was reputed to have one. One of the largest mosques in Russia and in Europe outside Istanbul.
Q. Where is the Kremlin Mosque located?
A – The Kazan Kremlin (Russian: азанский ремль; Tatar: азан кирмәне) is the main historical citadel of Russia, located in the city of Kazan.
Q. How many Muslims are there in Kazan?
A – Today, Islam is a major faith in Tatarstan, which is followed by 53 percent of the estimated 3.8 million population, making it the largest religion. Marat Gatin is the Minister of the President’s Department, Interaction with Religious Organizations.
