Tatarstan

Tatarstan is Russia’s most multi-ethnic region, a land where Asiatic and European cultures coexist peacefully. Mosques sit side-by-side with Orthodox cathedrals, synagogues adjoin Buddhist temples. 2013 marks the one thousandth anniversary of the foundation of the republic’s main city, Kazan, also known as the ‘Muslim capital of Russia’. The city is celebrating the milestone with some major sportive events - the Universiade, the Football World Cup and the World Aquatics Championship. Here we find a “Shrine to All Religions”, along with one of the most advanced science parks in Russia; Sviyazhsk, a settlement of five monasteries on an island, and the largest mosque in Europe. The Tatar culinary tradition is one of the richest in Russia, making the city a popular stop for foodies from all over the world.