On the wave of my memory. "Great Bulgars". Part 3
To be continued. here >>>
Early morning of the next day and before us is another miracle from the Golden Ring of Kazan. On the territory of modern Tatarstan there was one of the largest states - the Volga Bulgaria. Bolgar is the capital of the Volga-Kama Bulgaria, one of the largest cities of the Golden Horde. The city was founded by the Volga Bulgars in the 10th century, in 1361 it was destroyed by the prince of the Golden Horde Bulat-Timur. Then it was restored, but in 1431 it was destroyed and was no longer restored.
On the shore we were greeted with a small performance and treated to a national yummy - chak-chak, in Tatarstan you can’t do without it (it is unusually tasty there).
The settlement stands on the high bank of the Volga, at its confluence with the Kama. The Bulgar settlement attracts with its amazing history and preserved monuments. The architectural and historical complex of Bulgar has an important cultural and religious significance. Bulgar is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is under its protection.
On the very shore there is a museum of the Volga Bulgaria, we listened to the story, how it was, how the excavations were carried out, but honestly, it was possible not to go, but to devote more time to the open-air museum.
The first thing that meets us is a huge building under a copper dome with a Muslim crescent and very much resembles a mosque, and it turned out to be a memorial sign "Adoption of Islam" - this is a modern building of 2011. This new landmark was presented to Bolgar by the Cultural Heritage of Tatarstan project. It contains the largest printed Quran. It was closed, the Koran was not seen.
And then it gets more interesting: we go out to the remains of the Cathedral Mosque, we are met by the Big Minaret, built in the 13th century, completely restored. There are columns in the center of the Cathedral Mosque - you need to clasp them with your hands and make a wish. I had the feeling that you were on the ruins of ancient temples.
The red line marks to what level the masonry discovered by archaeologists, and where modern masonry begins. The Church of the Assumption is a completely Christian temple, it looks quite harmoniously next to Muslim mosques.
And then - the Northern Mausoleum, the Eastern Mausoleum, tombstones are exhibited inside.
The Khan's Palace is a building of the 13th century, it was completely preserved, only a little of the foundation and walls, the territory of the palace is protected by a roof, so that it would be more convenient to excavate.
The tour ended and we went to see another attraction. Along the way, inspecting still uncovered objects. There was little time left, and it was too far to go, and we went on by minibus.
The White Mosque is the largest mosque in the southwestern part of Tatarstan. The official opening took place in 2012. On that day, "Ak-Mechet" became the cathedral mosque of the city of Bolgar. The White Mosque is considered the main pearl of Tatarstan.
The White Mosque reminded me of oriental tales - airy, snow-white and a small waterfall, everything looks very harmonious. Entrance to the mosque is free, at the entrance they took off their shoes (this is mandatory), climbed inside, the feeling of a fairy tale was not lost.
Next to the White Mosque there is a museum complex "Museum of Bread", where you can see the restored residential buildings of rural residents, the miller's estate, stables, bird yards. I quickly look around, because if we don’t have time for the last minibus, we’ll just have to run after the boat.
Everything is fine, we are going to the shore, but suddenly there is another attraction on the way, it’s not far to the shore, I ask you to stop and run to see (my friend is going to the pier, if anything, she will hold the boat). The Black Chamber is one of the best-preserved buildings of the settlement, however, there are still disputes about what was there. And then it’s not far on foot and you can safely walk and enjoy the beauty and harmony, thanks to the weather did not disappoint.
In the evening, a concert of bard songs, they sang and sang familiar and well-known songs, as well as listened to new ones.
The next day we are met by Cheboksary - the capital of the Republic of Chuvashia. We were greeted very warmly and cordially. Bus and walking tour. The first acquaintance began with the embankment, where the most prominent is the monument "Patron Mother". Here we are met by girls in national clothes, you can apply and take a picture, but it's cold and no one wants to. The Cheboksary Bay and the embankment today are two dams and small rivers flowing into them.
There are many museums in the city, one of them is the museum of V. I. Chapaev, the house where he was born and spent his childhood, a tachanka, it is a must to take a picture.
Let's go to the Victory Memorial Park, a very nice park, located on the high bank of the Volga. But it started to rain and it was so windy that I just want to run to the bus, which we do.
And then the pedestrian street of the city, Merchant Efremov Boulevard. Like everywhere else, it is called the Moscow Arbat. On the street there are monuments, museums, souvenir kiosks and everything you need for a warm welcome to city guests. Near the river station and we are heading to the boat.
In the evening, a farewell concert, last conversations and memories of the cruise with new acquaintances and fellow travelers, they almost all go on.
I was amazed that our fellow travelers were sooooo not young, BUT most importantly, they were interested in all excursions, and they were very sorry that some were not recruited. They have such a memory and they know a lot, remember, and tell very interesting things.
This is the Golden Ring of Kazan. Remembering again, I understand that once again I wanted to get to Sviyazhsk and Bulgars, and of course Kazan.
