Спасский район, Татарстан
The administrative centre of Spassky district is Bulgary. Area – 2028,0 square km. The district was founded in 1930. There is a pier on the Volga and an airport. The city of Bulgary is situated on the left bank of the Kuibyshev reservoir. It is 140 km away to the south from Kazan, and 100 km to the north from the railway station Cherdakly. There is a pier. The settlement was founded in 1781.
Established in 1781 along the Volga river under the name Spassk, Spassky district underwent several name changes over the years. From 1926 to 1935 it bore the name Spassk-Tatarsky. From 1935 to 1991, it held the name Kuibyshev. The district, as it is known today, actively formed in 1930, formerly recognised as the Kuibyshevsky District until 1991.
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Reviving the Great Bulgar
Spassky district proactively resurrects the Great Bulgar – the largest city of Volga Bulgaria and the cradle of culture and history for the Tatar people. The district boasts a remarkable ensemble of medieval buildings and beautiful contemporary architectural monuments. They reflect greatness and grace mirrored in the deep waters of the Volga. The ancient Bulgars wisely chose this location for their capital. The location still offers a picturesque blend of meadows, forests, and river expanses that truly invite one to live in harmony with nature.
The Marvel of Bolgar
Bolgar, a globally renowned tourist center, welcomes thousands of visitors annually to its historical reserve within the district. Bolgar stands as one of the oldest states in Western Europe – Volga Bulgaria. Additionally, the city serves as a centre for Muslim pilgrimage. It commemorates the 1120th anniversary of the adoption of Islamic faith in Russia. In proximity to Bolgar lies the ancient capital of Volga Bulgaria – the Great Bulgar, showcasing architectural marvels from the 13th to 14th centuries. The Bolgar State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve preserves these cultural treasures.
Exploring the Museum-Reserve
Embarking on an immersive journey through different eras, visitors wander through the museum-reserve. From the 12th-century Khan’s burial site to the awe-inspiring White Mosque, constructed from exquisite marble in 2012. Traveling from the 13th-century Khan’s Palace to the captivating Museum of Bulgarian Civilization becomes possible, with direct accessibility from the tourist cruise pier. For those eager to experience medieval life, healing arts, and baking, interactive museums near the White Mosque provide an engaging encounter. Standing adjacent to these is the Grand Minaret, from which the call to prayer, the Azan, resonates over the city, the river, fields, and forests. It calls through eight centuries. Each year during the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeny” festival, tens of thousands of Muslims from Tatarstan, Russia, and abroad gather here to participate in the festive prayer, commemorating the adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria in the year 922.
Bolgar State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve
The Bolgar State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve achieves the distinction of holding the title as the world’s northernmost monument of medieval Muslim architecture. It represents a unique specimen of Bulgar-Tatar architecture from the mid-13th to 14th centuries, standing alone globally as an invaluable historical monument. The site actively bears witness to vanished states like Volga Bulgaria and the Golden Horde, showcasing a disappeared culture and way of life. Throughout the 10th to 15th centuries, it exerted significant influence on the development of culture and architecture. Acknowledged for its historical importance, UNESCO includes it in the World Heritage List.
Spassky district stands as a testament to the rich history of the region. And also as a vibrant showcase of cultural and architectural heritage that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
