History of the Tatars facts for kids

The Tatars are a group of people who have lived in different parts of the world for a very long time. Their history is rich and complex, involving many different groups and empires. They are known for their strong culture, language, and traditions.

Who Are the Tatars?

The name "Tatar" has been used for various groups of people throughout history. Originally, it referred to a group of nomadic people who lived in Central Asia. Over time, as different empires rose and fell, the name became associated with various Turkic-speaking groups, especially those who lived in Eastern Europe and Siberia.

Early History of the Tatars

The earliest ancestors of the Tatars were nomadic tribes living in the vast steppes of Central Asia. These groups were skilled horse riders and warriors. They often moved across large areas, following their herds and trading with settled communities.

The Mongol Empire and the Golden Horde

A very important part of Tatar history is their connection to the Mongol Empire. In the 13th century, under the leadership of Genghis Khan, the Mongols built one of the largest empires the world has ever seen. Many Turkic tribes, including those who would later be called Tatars, became part of this huge empire.

After Genghis Khan's death, his empire was divided. One part, known as the Golden Horde, was established in Eastern Europe. This empire included much of what is now Russia, Ukraine, and parts of Central Asia. The Golden Horde was ruled by descendants of Genghis Khan, and many Turkic people, including the ancestors of modern Tatars, lived within its borders.

Over time, the Golden Horde became more Turkic in its culture and language. The word "Tatar" became widely used to describe the people of the Golden Horde. They were known for their military strength and their control over trade routes.

The Rise of Tatar Khanates

As the Golden Horde weakened in the 15th century, it broke into several smaller, independent states called khanates. These khanates were ruled by Tatar leaders and played a big role in the history of Eastern Europe.

Kazan Khanate

One of the most important Tatar states was the Kazan Khanate, founded around 1438. It was located on the Volga River, a major trade route. The people of Kazan were known for their farming, crafts, and trade. They had a strong culture and were mostly Muslim. The Kazan Khanate was a powerful neighbor to the growing Russian state.

Astrakhan Khanate

Another significant khanate was Astrakhan, located near the Caspian Sea. It was also an important center for trade, especially with Persia and Central Asia. The Astrakhan Tatars were known for their fishing and salt production.

Crimean Khanate

The Crimean Khanate, founded in the Crimean Peninsula, was unique because it became a vassal state of the Ottoman Empire. This meant it was protected by the Ottomans but kept its own rulers. The Crimean Tatars were famous for their cavalry and often raided neighboring lands. They played a key role in the politics of Eastern Europe for centuries.

Siberian Khanate

Further east, in Siberia, the Siberian Khanate was another Tatar state. Its people were involved in fur trading and lived in a vast, forested region.

Tatar Lands Under Russian Rule

By the 16th century, the rising power of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, which later became the Russian Empire, began to challenge the Tatar khanates.

Fall of Kazan and Astrakhan

In 1552, Ivan the Terrible, the Russian Tsar, conquered the Kazan Khanate. This was a major event that marked the end of an independent Tatar state in the Volga region. A few years later, in 1556, Astrakhan also fell to Russian forces. The conquest of these khanates brought many Tatars under Russian rule.

Crimean Khanate's Decline

The Crimean Khanate lasted much longer due to its alliance with the Ottoman Empire. However, by the late 18th century, the Russian Empire expanded southwards and eventually annexed Crimea in 1783. This brought an end to the last independent Tatar state in Eastern Europe.

Tatars in the Modern Era

After their lands were incorporated into the Russian Empire, Tatars faced various challenges. Many continued to live in their traditional areas, while others migrated. Despite these changes, they worked hard to preserve their unique culture, language, and Islamic faith.

Soviet Union Period

In the 20th century, during the time of the Soviet Union, Tatars experienced significant changes. The Soviet government created autonomous regions for some Tatar groups, like the Tatar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (now the Republic of Tatarstan). However, they also faced policies that sometimes limited religious and cultural expression.

Tatars Today

Today, Tatars are a diverse group of people living in various countries, with the largest population in Russia, especially in the Republic of Tatarstan. They are known for their vibrant culture, including traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Many Tatars are proud of their rich history and continue to maintain their traditions while also being part of modern society.

Images for kids

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  The Kazan Kremlin, a historical fortress in Tatarstan.

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  A traditional Crimean Tatar family.