Tatarstan Republic overview
Tatarstan Republic (also known as Tataristan, Tataria, Tatariya) is a federal subject of Russian Federation. Tatarstan is the part of Volga Federal District. The capital city and administrative center of Tatarstan republic is Kazan. Tatarstan region is situated in the center of East European Plain (about 800 km east of Moscow).
Tatarstan republic lies between two rivers: Volga and Kama. It is extending to the Ural mountains. Main natural resources of Tatarstan republic are oil and natural gas.
Tatarstan Republic population - 3,769,000 (2009); land area - 68,000 sq. km.
Tatarstan Republic history
The earliest state on the territory of present Tatarstan republic of Russia was Volga Bulgaria state (700-1238). It was an advanced state trading with Inner Eurasia, Middle East and Baltic regions. Volga Bulgaria state was fighting for its independence with Khazars, Kievan Rus and Kipchaks states. In 922 Islam religion appeared in Volga Bulgaria state with the help of Baghdad missionaries.
At the end of 1230s Volga Bulgaria state was conquered by Mongol prince Batu Khanarmies. The region received independence again in 1430s with the forming of Kazan Khanate state with capital in Kazan city. Kazan Khanate was conquered by Russian Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible army in 1550s. Kazan city was taken in 1552.
A lot of people were converted to Christianity. Orthodox churches and cathedrals were built in Kazan city. Almost all mosques of the city and the whole region were destroyed. The prohibition to build mosques was only lifted in 18th century by Catherine II and first mosque was built in 1766-1770.
In 1918-1920 during Russian Civil War there was an attempt to establish an independent Tatar republic but Bolsheviks could take the republic under control. In 1920 Tatar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was established.
In 1992 on a referendum the majority of Tatarstan population voted for independence from Russia. In 1994 the mutual Treaty between Russian Federation and Republic of Tatarstan was signed.
Tatarstan Republic economy
Today Tatarstan republic is one of the richest regions of Russia. Main industries of the region are petrochemical and heavy truck production (KamAZ). Republic of Tatarstan transport network is highly developed (highways and railways, Volga, Kama, Vyatka and Belaya rivers, oil pipelines, airlines).
