Kazan in 3 Russian words
The capital of the Republic of Tatarstan is one of the most ancient and densely populated cities in Russia, where Islamic culture coexists with Orthodox. Here are three of its main symbols.
1. МЕЧЕТЬ КУЛ-ШАРИФ (Kul Sharif Mosque)
The main Juma Mosque of Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan is located on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin. Built in the 16th century, the building was destroyed when the city was captured by the troops of Ivan the Terrible in 1552 and only rebuilt in 1996-2005.
2. БАШНЯ СЮЮМБИКЕ (Syuyumbike Tower)
This 58-meter red-brick tower was erected in the Kazan Khanate in the 16th century during the reign of Queen Syuyumbike. The tower is one of the so-called “falling” ones – the deviation of its spire to the north-east is as much as two meters.
3. ЗИЛАНТ (Zilant)
This dragon-like creature is one of the main symbols of Tatar mythology. According to legend, it once lived in the place where Kazan was founded. Today, the image of Zilant can be seen in the city literally at every step.
