Kazan (Каза́нь), Russia

Kazan, Russia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:33d%27lin@r_%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%8F.jpg
Author: Юсипов Линар
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Kazan (Russian: Каза́нь) is the eighth largest city in Russia. It is also the capital and largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan, a federal subject of the Russian Republic. The city covers 425 sq km and has a population of 1.14 m people (2011 estimate). It observes the Moscow Standard Time (UTC+4).

Interior of the Annunciation Cathedral in the Kazan Kremlin
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kazan_AnnuncCathInt.JPG
Author: Alex Ostrovski
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Kazan experiences a humid continental climate. Summers here are hot while winters are cold and long. July is the warmest month with average high temperature of 25°C (77°F). January is the coldest month with average low temperatures of -14.9°C (5.2°F). June is the wettest month, receiving 70 mm (2.76 in) of precipitation.

There is no complete agreement as to who actually founded Kazan, with nominees being the Volga Bulgars in the Middle3 Ages and the Tatars of the Golden Horde in the mid-15th century. In any case, the city has been around since 1438, when it became the capital of the Khanate of Kazan.

Kazan Roman Catholic Church
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Author: TY-214
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In 1552, Kazan was conquered by Ivan the Terrible, following which its existing population was either massacred or forced to become Christian. The surviving population was also forced out of the city and in their place, Russian farmers were relocated to populate it. In the 17th century, the population of Kazan, with help from its Russian population, declared independence, and established the Tsardom of Kazan. The tsardom lasted until 1708.

In the 18th century, Kazan became a center for shipbuilding. It continued to develop its industrial base going into the 19th century. There was also a relaxation in the freedom of worship, enabling a mosque to again be built in Kazan.

Annunciation Cathedral at Kazan Kremlin
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Annunciation_Cathedral_-_Kremlin_-_Kazan_-_Russia.JPG
Author: Adam Jones
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After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kazan was once again harboring separatist sentiments. In the meantime, it has become one of the most prosperous cities in Russia. The Kazan Metro began operations while the Kazan Kremlin became a World Heritage Site.

Visiting Kazan

Kazan Airport (KZN) receives flights from Moscow, St Petersburg, Frankfurt, Prague, Tel Aviv, Yerevan, Istanbul, Barcelona and Dubai, among others. The airport is 25 km to the southeast of the city center, and getting there by public transport may be a complicated affair. First you take Bus 97 to the 39 Kvartal bus station. There you change to Bus 15 or 35a to reach the Kazan Kremlin area. A taxi trip will take you one and a half hours and costs 1000 rubles.

Sights & Attractions in Kazan

Kazan Kremlin
Today a World Heritage Site, this is the Tatar fortress that was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible and reconstructed by the Russians in the 16th and 17th century. Within the complex are the various historic buildings such as the Annunciation Church, Suyumbike Tower, Musa Dzhalil's Monument, Kul-Sharif Mosque, and so on. The State Hermitage Museum in Kazan (affiliated to the Hermitage Museum of St Petersburg) is also located here.
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
One of the most decorative Orthodox churches in Kazan, built between 1723 and 1726 to commemorate the visit by Peter the Great in 1722.
Chaliapin Monument
Monument to early 20th century opera singer Fyodor Chaliapin.
Lenin State University
The main university in Kazan with its buildings in the Classical style.
Nurullah Mosque
Mosque dating to 1849, and has been rebuilt a few times.
Soltanov Mosque
Mosque near the central market, built in 1867.
St. Catherine's Lutheran Church
Church across the central market at ul Karla Marksa 26.
State Museum of the Tatar State and the Republic of Tatarstan
Museum in a 1770 historic building housing exhibits on Tatar history as well as works by local artists.

Temple of All Religions, Staroye Arakchino
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kazan_church_edit.jpg
Author: Maarten
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Sights & Attractions in the vicinity of Kazan

Bolgar
A small town outside Kazan, which shares its name with the river Volga and with Bulgaria. Among the sights here include the Great Bulgar Museum, the 18th century Assumption Church, and the Great Bulgar Mosque.
Sviyazhsk
Egg-shaped island getaway for Kazan's artists. Many of its sights were destroyed by the Bolsheviks, but those that survived the Communists include the Assumption Monastery, St Nicolas Church, John the Baptist Monastery and Trinity Church.
Temple of All Religions, at Staroye Arakchino
This hybrid temple that incorporates cupolas, minarets and spires is the residence of artist-cum-alternative healer Ildar Khanov. Only visitors with some ailment to be healed are allowed in.

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