Kasimov

Kasimov ( _ru. Касимов; _tt. Касыйм, _tt. "Qasím" [in local dialect is pronounced as ka-CHEEM (Качим)] , historically: Xankirmän [Ханкирмән, Хан-Кермень, means "Khan's fortress"] , Gorodets Meschorsky, Novy Nizovoy) is a town in Ryazan Oblast, Russia, the administrative center of Kasimovsky District. The town is situated on the left bank of the Oka River. Population: 35,816 (2002 Census); 37,521 (1989 Census); 17,000 (1910); of which about 2000 speak Tatar language.

History

The first population of this area was a Finnic tribe called the Meshchyora, later assimilated by Russians and Tatars. The town was founded in 1152 by the Vladimir-Suzdal ruler Yury Dolgoruky as Grodets, then Gorodets Meschyorsky ( _ru. Городец Мещёрский). It was included in the Mishar Yort division of the Golden Horde, but then was sold to Muscovy.

In 1376, the town was destroyed by the Mongol invaders, but was soon bebuilt as "Novy Nizovoy" ("New Low-lying", _ru. Новый Низовой) town. After the Battle of Suzdal in 1445 (in which Great Duke Vasili II was taken prisoner), the Meschiora lands were given to Olug Moxammat, khan of Kazan Khanate as a ransom for the sovereign's life.

In 1452, Great Duke Vasili II of Muscovy gave this town to Kazan prince Qasim khan, who served as "tribute inspector" of the Great Horde, but then came to Russian service. By other accounts, Qasim and his brother Yosif fled from Kazan after losing their bid for the throne against their brother Mäxmüd. After 1471, the town was known as "Qasím city". It remained the capital of Qasim Khanate until 1681 when the khanate was reabsorbed into Russia.

A group of Tatars settled there in 15th century and are now known as Qasim Tatars. They speak the Mishar dialect, mixed with the Middle Tatar dialect of the Tatar language.

Layout and landmarks

In the 17th century, the town was separated into three parts:
*Old Town (Russian: Старый Посад; Tatar: "İske Bistä") and Tatar Town (Russian: Татарская слобода; Tatar: "Tatar Bistäse") regulated by khan of Qasim Khanate and Tatar noblemen;
*"Yamskoy Town" (Russian: Ямская слобода) of Russian commoners, regulated by Moscow;
*"Marfin Town" (Russian: Марфина слобода, Tatar: "Marfin Bistäse") – part of the city, regulated by Kasimov voyevodas – Russian governors.

Historical buildings:
*Stone mosque (1467)
*Mausoleum of Shahgali (Şahğäli) Khan (1555)
*Mausoleum of Afghan Moxammad (Äfğan Möxämmäd) Khan (1658)
*Russian Orthodox churches:
**Church of the Epiphany ( _ru. Богоявленская церковь) 17th century;
**St. Nicholas Church ( _ru. Никольская церковь) 17th century;
**Trinity Church ( _ru. Троицкая церковь) 17th century;
**Cathedral of the Ascension ( _ru. Вознесенский собор) 19th century.

Notes

External links

* [http://www.kasimov.ru/ Official website of the town] ru icon

References

*TES-in|Kasimov
*"This article incorporates text from the Brockhaus-Efron Encyclopedia"