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Sergey Ivanov: “Tatarstan should become a champion of hospitality in our country”

The educational Hospitality Forum took place in Kazan on 20 November where they discussed the issues of improving the quality of service in tourist centres of Tatarstan through training, workshops and trainings for local members of the tourism industry. The participants of the industry were explained what is the essence of the concept of the brand Visit Tatarstan and why it is time to move the “standard” European service to the background focusing on folk traditions and famous Tatar hospitality. Read the details in the material of Realnoe Vremya.

European service vs Tatar hospitality

The forum brought together about 400 representatives of line staff of hotels, cafes and restaurants, museums and excursion centres of Tatarstan. The organizers prepared trainings for them on communication, sales increase, conflict resolution and hospitality standards. All this is to create an even more comfortable and favourable atmosphere for tourists in the republic.

“The topic raised on the forum is not new. We all talk about it periodically, but, it seems to me, we do not yet fully possess, know and understand what we are dealing with,” said Sergey Ivanov, the chairperson of the State Committee of Tatarstan on Tourism. “We do not fully know what we should do to make a person say: ‘Indeed, I have been in Tatarstan and hospitality is just great.’ We need to be very well versed in this matter.”

The speaker also added that it is important “not to be afraid to turn to your history, traditions and roots” — this will only play into the hands of the tourism industry of the republic.

“As a rule, we already do not notice European, Western standards. Now the tourist is looking for something else — some ethnic peculiarities. In this part, we still have something to work on. Tatarstan and all of us as a team should become champions of hospitality in our country. It is important to concentrate on something additional that you can bring to the guest: to tell about our traditions, how people greet us, how it is customary to pour tea and so on. It is very important not to be afraid to be a little different — different from other regions and territories. At the same time, it is necessary to be sincere, attentive and professional,” Sergey Ivanov told.

Zufar Gayazov, the chairperson of the board of the Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Kazan and Tatarstan, also stressed the importance of hospitality and the inseparable link of this quality with the Tatar culture.

“On the eve of the centenary of the Tatar ASSR, our association together with Kazan Innovative University named after Timiryasov publishes a very interesting book The Secrets of Tatar Cuisine , in the preface to which it is just written about the hospitality of the Tatars. It also contains the statements of Karl Fuchs — a man who knew a lot about the customs and traditions of the Kazan Tatars. He stressed that they are very hospitable people, and this quality is considered one of the most important,” said Zufar Gayazov.

Related articles

Realnoe Vremya is an online newspaper, providing business news and sectoral analytics, up-to-date information about the development of economy and technology in Tatarstan, Russia and the whole world. Every day Realnoe Vremya’s Editorial board prepares materials and interviews with the leaders of different sectors and markets on the most relevant topics.

Visiting Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan in Russia

Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan and the 6th largest city of Russia . It officially bears the title of the “Third Capital of Russia” due to its rich cultural and historical heritage. It also serves as the Capital of Tatarstan. Furthermore, this beautiful city is on the banks of the Volga River and Kazanka River. It is noted for its centuries-old religious tolerance. So, the Cathedral of all Religions is a true example of its religious harmony. Nearly half of its residents are ethnic Tatars. So a visit allows you to experience the unique foods and traditions of Tatar culture.

How to Get To Kazan Russia

Kazan is located about 800 km east of Moscow and easily accessible by train. Although, we reached there from Novosibirsk and after visiting it went to Moscow. While Vosstanie-Passazhirskaya is the name of the train station that mainly serves Kazan city. Whereas you can book your train ticket from the Russian Railway Website .

Kazan has one international airport that operates several domestic as well as a few international flights. The airport is about 25km from the city center. Further, you can reach the city center by bus, Train or Taxi.

To go to Kazan in your own car is another way. From Moscow, you can follow the M7 route to reach Kazan in around 12 hours. Whereas from Perm, you can follow the E22 route to reach Kazan.

How to Get Around Kazan Russia

The transportation system of Kazan city composes of trains, buses, trolleybuses, and taxis. The fare of one ride is 25 Rubles.

• Most of the attractions of Kazan city can be visited on foot. Especially you can visit the most of city attreactions at the area from Kazan Kremlin to Millenium Park via Bauman street .
• Kazan subway is a more convenient way to getaround the city of Kazan into Russia. It is listed among Guinness World Records as the shortest metro system in the world. Kazan Subway has 5 stations and one can get from one end to another for 10 minutes.
• Lat but not the least, Taxis in Kazan are also affordable. Therefore, you can call a taxi by using Yandex Taxi App.

Where to Stay in KAzan Russia

You can book a dormitory bed in the city center Hostel for under $10. You can find a good hostel from a large number of hostels around Bauman Street. I have booked with People Hostel for my short stay in Kazan. Besides, it was very near to Kazan Kremlin.

Initially, we had a plan to visit Kazan as a day trip while going from Novosibirsk to Moscow on our long Trans Siberian Train Route. However, due to a change in our plan, we have to cancel our next ride to Moscow and consequently opt for air travel from Kazan. So, we decided to take a little rest while our stay in Kazan.

Places to see in KAzan Russia

I regretted that I have only one day for this fairytale city. Due to some unforeseen reasons, I have to shorter my original plan. So, I have left Kazan City in such a way that seems I never came to this city. This city has abundant sights with a rich historical background that it can offer to its tourists. I spent my day while walking from one point to another. So, I decided to start my day at Kazan Kremlin.

Kazan Kremlin

I left my luggage at my hostel and came out for my day’s tour to Kazan City. I followed the Bulak Cannel and took my way toward Kazan Kremlin. After a few minute’s walk, I passed beside the Pyramid Cheops hotel(Piramida Kheopsa). It was a beautiful Hotel with Egyptian themes. Finally, I crossed Levo Buachava Street and entered Kremlin Park. If you go slightly further toward Kazanka River then you can reach Kazan Circus.

Entrance to Kazan Kremlin

The entrance to Kremlin park is exotic. You can enter the park after passing through a three-step Heart lane. Here you can get a beautiful photo of the Kul Sharif Mosque from a unique angle. Here a large row of steps leads me to the Gigantic wall of the Kazan Kremlin. Now Starting from Preobrazhenskaya Tower, I passed to another unnamed tower and finally reached Taynitskaya tower. Not to mention there were a couple of Viewing platforms to watch the left side Panorama views of the city. Taynitskaya is one of the two entry points to Kazan Kremlin. Also, the Spasskaya Tower on the Southern side is the other point of entrance.

Entry Fee to Kazan Kremlin

Entry to Kazan Kremlin is free. However, you have to take an entrance ticket to one of the many inside museums. The ticket range is 150 to 300 Rubles for different Museums. However, you can take a day ticket for 700 Rubles and enjoy your day while visiting these museums. The list of inside museums is quite high. Although, some of them include

• History Museum of  the state of Tatarstan
• Museum of The courtyard of the CAnyons
• Hermitage Kazan Center And Museum of Natural History of Tatarstan
• Manzeh Exhibition Hall
• Museum of Islamic Culture in Kul Sharif Mosque
• Histry Museum of Annunciation Cathedral

Kazan Kremlin from my Eyes

When I entered the Kremlin the first look of the Uphigh view was splendid. I was the three different shapes of building in my first view. That was Suvumbike Tower like a conical one, The palace Church resembles with a layer of rectangles and Presidency Palace. All these points were on my left side. On my right side were the Museum of the courtyard of canyons and Kazan Hermitage compounds.

Just after this view, the Cathedral of Annunciation popped up from the left and the Kul Sharif mosque from my right. These two buildings that were popping up from two different sides made a spellbound effect on me. The color combination and architecture were just fantastic. After then I went through the small garden that has the attraction of Monument to Kazan Kremlin Builders.

After visiting the Kremlin, I spent a little time on the eastern observation deck. From this deck, you can spot a large number of Kazan attractions beyond the Kazanka River. At the far end, you can spot the Kazan Arena, Farmers’ palace, Kazan Cathedral, and a few more.

Farmers’ Palace and Park

After spending a couple of Quality time, I head forward to Farmers’ Palace. I came out from Voskresenskaya tower which is at the east/North end of Kazan Kremlin. I have to come back along the outward of Kremlin. Here I have crossed the road and entered into the Farmers’ Palace and Park.

This Palace is a building that serves as the Ministry of agriculture and the food Republic of Tatarstan Russia. Although it is state-building even then It is a must-see place in Kazan. You can definitely admire the entrance that reflects the objective of the building and office. After its construction in 2008, this building has quickly become one of the city’s most famous modern landmarks. 

Cathedrals of Kazan City

Now I took the Southern route and my next stop was a couple of Blue and White cathedrals. The first one was the Church of the Great Martyr that was just beside the Farmers’ palace. You have to take a left turn while going back to Kazan Kremlin Road. It is a stone church that is related to Saint Paraskeva. It is an old church that was restored and partly rebuilt in 1904.

The second one The Kazan Cathedral was even more majestic. It is as beautiful but less rated than the Kazan Cathedral of St Petersburg.

Chernoye Ozero, The Black LAke

Here I took a route to Bauman Street. On the way, I made a small detour and reached Chernoye Ozero. Chernoye means black and Ozero means lake. So, this small artificial lake is called Black Lake. There is a garden in the eastern part of this park. Its main entrance is known as the famous and romantic “lovers arch”.  The park often hosts festivals and concerts here. It is also commonplace for locals to walk on the outer jogging path. You can also sit on one of the benches and read a book or just relax.

Peter and Paul Cathedral Kazan

This golden yellow cathedral painted with turquoise mosaics was a true gem in the heart of the city. We have also visited a cathedral with the same name in St Petersburg beside the Neva River. Although, its counterpart in St Petersburg is a part of the fortress. However, this one is an active prayer place and its bright colors are a feast for our eyes. Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox church that was built in 1722.  It was partly reconstructed in 1824-1825. While a more large-scale reconstruction took place in 1888-1890. As it was very near to Bauman Street that was my next and last stop, so, I couldn’t visit it from inside.

BAuman Street KAzan

The main pedestrian street of Kazan starts From the Kremlin and ends at the “Ploshchad Tukaya. It is a pleasant walk of about 2km. . As Kazan’s busiest pedestrian street where you’ll find the highest concentration of restaurants, cafes, monuments, and souvenir shops in the city. After visiting Peter and Paul Cathedral, I came to this historical street. You can see many fun performers in the afternoon till night. Many other prominent sub streets also make their way from BaumanStreet. One of which, the Musa Jalil street is also a famous one among foreigners. It is the best place for lodging in Kazan too. After visiting this street, I decided to go to my Hostel.

What we missed in Kazan Russia

The first and foremost thing is that we believe we missed the whole of Kazan. This city is not for one-dayers. At least it needs three days that include a full day of Kazan Kremlin. It was a shame if we couldn’t visit the Cathedral of all religions. Besides a full day to visit Sviyazhsk is also recommended. Sviyazhsk is a beautiful island about 65km from the city center and one can reach it in one hour. Last but not the least, the Museum of Socialist life is another top attraction to see Kazan History.

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12 Things to Do in Kazan, the Magical Capital of Tatarstan

After  Moscow  and  Saint Petersburg ,  Kazan  is arguably  Russia ’s nicest big city and its most multicultural one. The capital of historical Tatarstan is home to the country’s only Kremlin with a mosque inside. Included in Unesco’s World Heritage Sites list, it is quite unique. However, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Kazan. The place to be is Bauman Street, the pedestrian street lined with neoclassical buildings and churches, cool cafés, and lots of street performers. Another pedestrian street is Kayuma Nasyri, with loads of colorful wooden houses and old mosques.

• 1.1 Explore the Kazan Kremlin
• 1.2 People Watch on Bauman Street
• 1.3 Soak Up History on Kayuma Nasyri Street
• 1.4 Visit Kazan’s Most Important Church
• 1.5 Bike Along Rivers and Lakes
• 1.6 Admire Soviet Brutalist Architecture
• 1.7 Discover Kazan’s New Kitchy Architecture
• 1.8 Visit the Temple of all Religions
• 1.9 Learn About Tatarstan and Russia at a Museum
• 1.10 Try Tatar Cuisine
• 1.11 Join a Local Festival
• 1.12 Explore the Rest of Tatarstan
• 2.1 Things to Do in Kazan – Photos
• 2.2 Related posts

Things to Do in Kazan

Explore the kazan kremlin.

One of the most important things to do in Kazan is visiting its grand  Kremlin . Ivan the Terrible built the medieval citadel to replace the ruins of the former residence of Kazan Khans. This monumental fortress is close to the confluence of the Kazanka and Volga Rivers. Hence, the views are outstanding and sunsets unforgettable. The Kremlin is home to the Governor’s Palace, several museums, towers, churches, and a mosque. The lavish  Kul Sharif Mosque  is from a recent date. It stands on the place of an old mosque destroyed by Ivan the Terrible. The Kremlin’s oldest structure is the  Annunciation Cathedral  from the 16th century. However, its most famous landmark is the  Söyembikä Tower , whose origin is unclear. It owes its name to the Kazan queen Söyembikä, who threw herself to her death from the tower.

People Watch on Bauman Street

Kazan’s main drag  Bauman  is a 1,3-kilometer long pedestrian street in the city center. It bears the name of Nikolay Bauman, a local revolutionary hero. This lively street is where everything happens. Restaurants, bars, shops, churches, and museums line the street. The street begins at the Kremlin and goes all the way to Pushkin Street. Nevertheless, the pedestrian area doesn’t end there. It continues, albeit with a different name: Peterburgskaya Street. At the beginning of the street, close to the Kremlin, you’ll find the late 17th-century  Cathedral of Saint Nicholas . Closer to the end, you will see the  Epiphany Church  with its red bell tower. Take your time, and be sure to notice the little stars on the floor dedicated to Tatar celebrities!

Soak Up History on Kayuma Nasyri Street

Another pedestrian street well worth spending time at is the historical  Kayuma Nasyri . Unlike Bauman Street, there aren’t many shops or commerce of any type. Instead, you’ll find several mosques and some of the most colorful wooden houses in Russia. Kayuma Nasyri is the best-preserved aristocratic street in the Old Tatar Settlement, one of Kazan’s oldest neighborhoods. Noble Tatar families, rich merchants, and representatives of the higher clergy owned the 19th-century houses that line the street. The highlight of the street is the beautiful  Märcani Mosque . It marked the beginning of a multi-faith religious tolerant society in Russia, proclaimed by Empress Catherine II at the end of the 18th century. It is the oldest mosque in Kazan and all of Tatarstan, but also one of the biggest.

Visit Kazan’s Most Important Church

The  Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral  is Kazan’s most distinguished church and one of its spiritual symbols. Upon arrival, you will immediately notice its unique colorful decoration. The church belongs to the so-called Russian baroque, a style that dominated the late 17th and early 18th centuries in Russia. Though it’s unclear who built the church, its resemblance to the early 18th century churches from Ukraine is quite evident. The church impressed many Russian emperors, including no other than Catherine II. Not only that, but three famous Alexanders also visited and wrote about it: Pushkin, Von Humboldt, and Dumas.

Bike Along Rivers and Lakes

Biking is, without a doubt, one of the most fun and relaxing things to do in Kazan! The mighty  Volga and the Kazanka Rivers  surround the city. Additionally, several canals and the Kaban Lakes cross it in the middle. We biked along the rivers on a newly built promenade enjoying the views, and through a bizarre new luxurious neighborhood. Then we went to the National Cultural Center Kazan and turned on Pushik Street to see the  Opera House.  From there, we biked all the way to the  Kaban Lakes . We went back to the bike rental shop along the  Bulak Canal . The shop is right under the Kremlin, between the Kazanka River and Baturina Street. Don’t forget to bring your passport or any other valid ID.

Admire Soviet Brutalist Architecture

Just like all other big Russian cities, a variety of brutalist buildings from the Soviet Period dots Kazan. A bunch of large soviet residential blocks lies on the eastern outskirts of the city. Another massive soviet neighborhood is north of the center, across the Kazanka River. You can see that one from the top of the Kremlin. Among the many interesting buildings, our favorite was the abovementioned  National Cultural Center Kazan . Built in 1991, it is one of the most active museums in Kazan. You’ll recognize the building for its simple red tuff façade and the tall obelisk named Freedom.

Discover Kazan’s New Kitchy Architecture

One of the things that caught our eyes when we were in Kazan’s Kremlin is the plethora of new interesting buildings. Once we got closer, we realized how unusual they are, with weird decorative elements and materials. The one building that we noticed immediately is the so-called  Agricultural Palace , which is the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazan. You’ll easily recognize this lavishly decorated building by its 20-meter high bronze tree. Critics say it combines everything from the baroque to the renaissance, but tourists love it! Another building that we loved for its bold kitschy appearance is the  Tatar State Puppet Theater . Its castle-like structure seems to come from a Russian fairy tale.

Visit the Temple of all Religions

One of the most interesting things to do in Kazan is to go on an excursion to the  Temple of all Religions . This colorful temple is on the outskirts of the city. Consequently, you will have to take a public bus, hire a private taxi, or book an organized excursion. We are not talking about a religious building, but rather a cultural center. Its architecture incorporates an orthodox church, a mosque, and a synagogue. Though it is still under construction, it will eventually have 16 domes, representing the 16 major religions in the world. According to its authors, the Khanov Brothers, it’s a temple of culture and truth.

Learn About Tatarstan and Russia at a Museum

Kazan has several interesting museums. If you didn’t have time to visit the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, you are lucky. The Kazan’s Hermitage exhibits some of its pieces.   Apart from temporary exhibitions, the Hermitage displays European, Asian, and National art from different periods. The  National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan , Kazan’s premier museum, is across the Kremlin’s main entrance. Here you’ll find large archeological and ethnographic collections. If you have Soviet nostalgia, visit the  Soviet Lifestyle Museum  inside a communal flat. If you are looking for something even more unusual, visit the  Museum of Chak Chak  dedicated to the traditional Tatar dough pastry.

Try Tatar Cuisine

Contrary to our expectations, we enjoyed food all around Russia. It is usually very well prepared, and there are plenty of dishes to choose from. Tatarstan is a great place to savor food since it combines local cuisine with Russian and Asian influences. The Echpochmak, a triangular pie, the Chak-chak, a sweet soft dough, and the Koymak, a kind of pancake, are its highlights. We had lunch on a beautiful terrace in  Tatarskaya Usadba . They offer delicious food, but you have to be patient with your order. If you want to try typical Tatar food, go to  Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii . If your thing is quick, delicious, and cheap local food, go to  Dobraya Stolovaya  or  Tubatay . Finally, if you want to try something even more exotic, the  Rubai  offers delicious Uzbek food.  

Join a Local Festival

Kazan hosts numerous events and festivals all year round. Our last day was a holiday. Locals were singing and dancing to their national songs. Later we realized that we had attended the celebrations of Tatarstan national day. The city’s greatest local festival is  Sabantuy . It takes place after the crop planting and includes horse races, wrestling matches, and all kinds of singing events. If you happen to visit Kazan in February, you’ll be delighted by its  Opera Festival . If you visit in July or August, don’t forget to attend the  Kazan Jazz Festival . The concerts are held inside the Kremlin’s Pushechnyy Dvor every Thursday evening.

Explore the Rest of Tatarstan

Tatarstan’s cultural heritage is so rich that it has three Unesco World Heritage Sites. Obviously, Kazan is one of them. The other two are Bolgar and Sviyazhsk.  Bolgar  was the medieval capital of Volga Bulgaria, a state that existed between the 7th and 13th centuries. The Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex has several mosques, mausoleums, and palaces from that period. Sviyazshk , on the other hand, is a fortress from the 16th century that the Russian army used as a base during the siege of Kazan. Its most important landmark is the Assumption Cathedral.

Where to Stay in Kazan

Kazan is one of Russia’s top tourist destinations. Thus, you have several hotels to choose from. We wanted to stay on the main street, so we chose the  Shalyapin Palace Hotel . It proved a wonderful idea since the hotel is elegant, rooms are comfortable, and views over Bauman Street splendid. Another gorgeous hotel on the same street is the historic  Nogai Hotel . The large constructivist building from 1937 used to host publishers and writers. If you are still not satisfied, book a room in Kazan’s best hotel:  Kazan Palace by Tasigo . This delicately designed hotel is an art nouveau palace from the beginning of the 20th century.

Things to Do in Kazan – Photos

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