Kazan Tatar

The Kazan Tatars are a Turkic-speaking people primarily residing in the Volga and Urals regions of Russia, making up about half the population of Tatarstan. Historically, the name "Tatar" emerged from nomadic tribes in Mongolia, and through fusion with Mongol conquerors, it became associated with invaders of Russia.

After the breakup of Genghis Khan's empire, Tatars became linked to the Golden Horde, converting to Islam in the 14th century. The Golden Horde later fragmented into independent khanates, including Kazan, which was conquered by Russia in the 16th century. The Kazan Tatars developed a complex social structure and became known for farming, herding, craftsmanship, and trade. They played significant roles as commercial and political agents within the expanding Russian Empire.123