Kazan

The Naming of Kazan, Russia

Kazan is the third-largest city in Russia and the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. It is also known as the “Sports Capital of Russia” due to hosting events like the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The name “Kazan” comes from the Tatar word for “cauldron”, referring to the city’s original location on a hill shaped like a cauldron. The population of Kazan is primarily made up of Russians and Tatars, with Tatars comprising about 52% and Russians about 36%. The majority of the population in Kazan is Muslim.

Geographical Coordinates

Kazan is located in the eastern part of European Russia, about 800 kilometers from Moscow. The city lies at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka rivers. With a population of around 1.1 million, it is the eighth most populous city in Russia. The majority of the population in Kazan are Muslims. In 2015, UNESCO celebrated the 1000th anniversary of Kazan, recognizing the city as a peaceful place where Christians and Muslims live together harmoniously.

Climate

The climate of Kazan is relatively warmer compared to Moscow. However, its time zone is the same as Moscow, and the two cities share the same time. The average annual temperature in Kazan is 11°C. July is the warmest month, while February is the coldest month of the year in Kazan.

Qol Sharif Mosque

The Qol Sharif Mosque is recognized as the largest mosque in the Russian Federation. Built in the 16th century, it is one of the city’s major tourist attractions. The mosque is named after its last imam, Qol Sharif, who was known for his leadership. Some believe the architecture of the mosque closely resembles Bulgarian style, while its original design is influenced by Ottoman architecture.

Airports

The city has two airports: Kazan International Airport and Kazan Borissoglebskoye Airport. It is also possible to fly directly to Kazan from countries like Turkey or Azerbaijan.

Universities in Kazan, Russia

Kazan is home to several prestigious universities, including:

• Kazan State University of Architecture and Engineering (KSUAE) – Focuses on architectural and engineering studies.

• Kazan Federal University (KFU) – One of the oldest universities in Russia, renowned for its research and academic programs in various fields.

• Kazan State Medical University (KSMU) – A leading medical university in Russia, recognized for its excellent medical and healthcare programs.

• Kazan National Research Technological University (KNRTU) – Specializes in technological and engineering programs.