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Kazan's kremlin with Kul Sharif mosque within it's walls
Qol-Sarif mosque, Kazan
Kul Sharif mosque, Kazan
Kazan is the capital of the republic of Tatarstan and is a beautiful and interesting city. It is home to the Tatars - descendants of a nomadic Turkic tribe and part of the Golden Hoarde that wreaked havoc across Russia in the middle ages.
You will see bilingual street signs and the green, white and red Tatar flag fluttering throughout the city, giving it a different atmosphere to other Russian cities. Ivan the Terrible conquered Kazan in 1552, building St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow as a celebration of the fact.
Ivan forced the local muslim population to convert to Christianity, but now you will see mosques in the city. The Kremlin is the jewel in Kazan's crown and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. A stroll within its walls is a must when visiting this historic city.
When travelling on long distance trains in Russia, it's always a great idea to get to know your neighbours. Long journeys can pass much quicker once you start sharing stories, food and drink with your fellow travellers.
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