Bolgar - the ruined capital of the ancient state Volga Bulgaria (Russia)

Hello, friends! I will continue to talk about ours in Tatarstan. Last time I told about the capital of Tatarstan - the beautiful city of Kazan. My post about the beginning of trip - A trip to Kazan (Russia) I have received so many comments and feedback!!! I'm glad you like to read about my travels!

Today I will tell you about the ancient ruined city, which was located on the territory of modern Tatarstan. I will tell you about the excursion to Bulgar - historical and archaeological complex, which is located 100 km from Kazan.

It was a day trip by bus from Kazan. We left early in the morning and returned to Kazan late in the evening. My daughter still grumbles at me about it. She was very tired from the trip. I'm tired too, but I'm excited to see the ancient city, so I'm very attracted to archaeological excavations.

Bulgar -an ancient city, which was founded by the Volga Bulgars in the X century, in 1361 destroyed by the Golden Horde Prince Bulat-Timur

Then it was restored, but in 1431 it was destroyed by general Fedor Pestry , after which it was abandoned by the inhabitants and was no longer restored.

According to the guide, even Tsar Peter I, traveling along the Volga river drew attention to the remains of this city, which at that time numbered about 70 buildings. But for some 300 years, everything was broken and pillaged by the locals.

Now the settlement is included in the UNESCO world heritage list, there are actively conducted archaeological excavations, reconstruction. Very few buildings have survived. This Khan's tomb, mausoleums, black and White chambers, Large and Small minarets.

The city is located on the banks of the Volga. This photo is made as if to turn back to the river. We see the green expanses on which once walked the ancient Bulgars and rode the Golden Horde riders. And only single buildings remind that once there was the capital of the ancient state of Volga Bulgaria.

Not far from the Bulgar is a very beautiful white mosque. It was built in our time. We took the bus there to see the mosque nearby. At that time there was a national Tatar holiday. I didn't get the name of the party.

The reverse side of the holiday-a huge crowd of people. I went away from the mosque and photographed the meadow, the far Bank of the Volga and the airship. Pink spots on the horizon are the banks of the Volga.

Near the mosque we were like 40 minutes. The archaeological complex of Bulgar is about two kilometers away. We could walk but we had a tour booked and we were picked up by bus.

The plan of the area. It marked the white mosque and archaeological complex, which is located on the banks of the Volga river.

We came to Buglar

First there was a tour of the Museum. Oh my God. I had no idea what it would be like.

You see the Museum building. I thought it was small and the tour would not last long. I was wrong!! You can imagine that this small building is only the top floor of the Museum! The Museum has 5 (!) underground floor.

I was also very impressed by the contrast. Inside the Museum everything is very modern, escalators, interactive screens. And outside this province.

The Museum keeps archaeological finds from excavations. The excavations themselves are being conducted at the moment. Here, for example

We spent two hours in the Museum. The guide told the whole history of this area, starting from how the first people settled here and the ancient state of Volga Bulgaria emerged.

This is a slice of archaeological layers (do not forget that the Museum is underground)

Models of buildings and palaces at a time when the city was captured by the war of the Golden Horde.

And these are the arrowheads of the Golden Horde warriors.

Ancient manuscript

We stayed inside the Museum for a long time, so we were happy when the tour continued outside.

This building was built in our time. It holds the world's biggest Quran.

The biggest Quran

We were taken to the Museum for so long that very little time was left to inspect the external buildings. I photographed many things just on the run. These are already preserved ancient buildings. Before us is A large minaret and the ruins of the Cathedral Mosque

The Ruins Of The Cathedral Mosque. If I was shown this photo, I would never have thought that such buildings exist somewhere in the center of Russia.

In the foreground remains of a public bath. And in the distance the Small Minaret.

The Northern mausoleum

View from inside the North mausoleum

This is The Khan's Palace It is almost destroyed, but its reconstruction is carried out. As you view of on Volga? I think it's wonderful.

Despite the heat and fatigue, I did not regret that we got to Bulgar, and now I advise everyone to go there.

This is an amazing place that keeps a long history.

Cheers

Veta

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