See Russia from Tatarstan

Original text by Christ Pujiastuti, executive summary by Darmansjah

Moments of World War II into the arena of tourism as well as foster a sense of nationhood Federai Russian citizens, including in the Republic of Tatarstan. On 9 May, in Kazan, capital of Tatarstan, Karl Marx Street area closed throughout the morning until noon.

Kazan residents as spilled here, ranging from children to the elderly. Large stage was set up. Across the stage, full of war veterans with military clothing and services that meet the various signs of chest gets a place of honor.

The boys were dressed in military style. Most of them take pictures with war veterans. In the seating area veterans attended the President of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov.

Warning Russian victory over Nazi war that lasted from 1941-1945, or about 68 years ago it started with a colossal dance describes the atmosphere at the time of war. continued march soldiers from various forces are also veterans.

Most interesting, the emergence of a variety of old cars during the war, ranging from sedans, jeeps, trucks, motorcycles until smooth and keep functioning. The driver and passengers were dressed in 1940's style. The men dressed in military-style, while the women wear fashion style front rimpel collared shirt and sailor.

Our guides, Achkinazi Ekaterina (34), tells the story, there is a car community in wartime Russia. Every May they were busy being asked to parade on Independence Day in a number of cities.

"Kazan was a battlefield. The city became the evacuation and many citizens who go to war to France, "said Katia, his calling.

Moments that evoke a sense of nationhood Kazan citizens. Through marches and honor given to veterans, young people see for themselves how honor given by the State for the hero.

Mosques and Churches

Escape from the atmosphere of celebration, we are faced with Tatarstan Government efforts to revive its history. Republic of Tatarstan is one of Russia's 83 federal regions. Tartastan majority of citizens are Muslims and Orthodox Christians. So, here there are many mosques and churches. Travel Guide in The Republic of Tatarstan is mentioned there are about 700 mosques and 200 churches.

Kazan has a population of about 1.2 is also the soul. They use the two languages: Russian and Tatar. Kazan is located approximately 800 kilometers from Moscow.

"Kazan is the third largest city in Russia After Moscow and St Petersburg," said Katia about the city that hosted the 2013 Universiade in July last year.

Despite years of communist Soviet Union dominated, Islamic and Christian historical sites in the region is maintained. Old buildings that have been lost were re-established and used, among others, as a tourist destination.

Sergey Ivanov, deputy minister of the ministry of youth, sports and tourism of the Republic Tartastan targeting two million tourists in 2013. "On average each year over one million tourists. Approximately 70% of Ruisa local tourists, the rest foreign tourists, mainly from Europe and the Middle East, "he said.

Kazan Kremlin, one of the destinations, presenting among other cathedrals built mid 1550s. Blagoveshchensky cathedral was rebuilt and opened in July 2005. The mosque is believed to exist in this kawasn before 1552 was also rebuilt and named Kul Sharif mosque (the name of the leader of the last Muslim Khanate). The mosque which is claimed terbear in Europe was opened in June 2005.

Entered the Kazan Kremlin area, you are greeted Spasskaya tower built in the 16th century. In the era of Joseph Stalin's rule (1922-1952) the tower was never tampered with. There is also a tower Syuyumbika, the legendary queen. Narrated Syuyumbika suicide from the top of the tower because they do not want to marry a Russian ruler, Tsar Ivan IV (1533-1584).

Asian influence.

In Bolgar, about 180km from Kazan, Bolgar there Voga royal sites, the precursor of Tatarstan. Citizens of this country became Muslim after the arrival of envoys from Baghdad in 922. Besides the mosque, parks, pools, there is also a museum that contains a picture of the lives of the Volga Bolgar, including the results of their culture.

In addition to the Middle East, the influence of Mongolia in Bolgar be seen from the high collar worn troops. Narrated troops from Mongolia Genghis Khan conquered the area around the year 1223. The effect is more noticeable in the Tatar Mongolia Kalyapush, other tourist destinations, through the building with a roof resembling a big tent.

Our next travel destination is Sviyazhsk island, which, according to Arthur, our guide, was built about 400 years ago. Here live about 270 residents who generally work for the preservation of Sviyazhsk. On an average day about 200 tourists who come, but on the weekends up to 1000 people.

"Its maximum power about 2,000 people, is our limit so as not to damage the environment," said Arthur. This area was originally a military base and once covered by forest. Sviyazhsk then serves as a center of Christianity. In the Soviet times the building serves as a prison here.

Post-Soviet Union

Soviet era relic was in Kazan. Part of the building shaped 'box' minimalist bverwarna as uniform grayish. Most of the building is now changing functions, such as military school into a museum painting. Building on the original Sviyazhxk island prison turned into a tourist destination, such as a museum, restaurant, and hotel.
People's homes on the edge of Kazan was impressed uniform. The front of the house is decorated no more than three windows and a glass window was placed in flower pot. Lately, a new residential complex with diverse architecture emerged.

"A lot of changes after the era of the Soviet Union (1991). Many private companies. Residents can also exchange money (rubles into foreign and otherwise) at any time, there is no prohibition. Unlimited car ownership, "says Katia. In Kazan various brands of cars passing by, such as the Russian-made pepper, Nisan, Toyota, and Kia.

 As many 43 colleges were open to foreign students. "They come from Europe and Asia because of the same culture. Kazan is a mix between Europe and Asia, "says Katia.

Similar to Moscow, for example, in Kazan there are many statues are scattered in many places, ranging from sculptures of men and women carrying water until they are considered to be leaders. There is a statue of Lenin in front of one of the young university, sculpture Gabdulla Tukay, author of poems in the Tartar language, and a statue of Feodor Chaliapin, opera singer, on the road Baumana, one shopping center in Kazan.

Kazan continues to improve. In addition to the expanded airports, sporting facilities were built. In some roads and public facilities not only display the text in Russian and Tartar, but also English. It was as if the evidence shows, this is the Russian who began to open ....