Pages: 365-376

The article represents an analysis of the political and economic development of Kazan during the Golden Horde period (second half of 13 th — first half of 15 th century). The time of Kazan subjection to Golden Horde khans could not be definitely determined — according to different data, it can be connected with the campaign of Baty-Khan of 1236 or, more likely, with Mengu-Timur’s raid on the Volga Bulgars of 1278. As part of the Golden Horde, there were in general favorable conditions for the development of the city. Kazan loses its role of a border town and by the end of the Golden Horde period turns into one of the large political and economic centres of the Central Volga area. The city had acquired its shape by the end of this period, and maintained it until the end of 18 th c. In the 14 th —15 th centuries, Kazan plays an important role in the international trade. The material culture of the town reflects existence of various ethnocultural traditions. Starting from the second half of the 14 th century, local knyazes unleashed the fight for political independence which led to the formation of the Kazan khanate.

Keywords: Kazan, Bulgar Ulus, Golden Horde period, political centre, topography, material culture

Information about author:

Ayrat Sitdikov (Kazan, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Mardjani Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, National Centre for Archaeological Research. Kremlin, entrance 5, Kazan, 420014, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]