464 a year ago, 2 October 1552, the 150-thousandth Russian army stormed Kazan. Kazan Khanate was destroyed, and its territory became part of Russia. This day can be considered the first milestone in the transformation of the Russian kingdom into the great Eurasian empire - the largest power of the planet, and possibly the entire universe, if the earth civilization in it is unique.
Having crushed the strongest enemy in the east, Russia has opened for itself the path of "meet the Sun" - to the Urals, to Siberia and further down to the Pacific Ocean. The era of the "Russian conquest" began, only, unlike the Spanish and Portuguese conquistodors, the Russians managed to keep the new lands and incorporate their indigenous population into the imperial superethnos.
For obvious reasons, October 2 is not celebrated as a national holiday and the day of Russia's military glory. However, not wanting to infringe upon or offend the Tatars and paying tribute to their courage in upholding their independence, I believe that we must not forget about this date and downplay its importance. By the way, the theme of the battle for Kazan, in my opinion, could be an excellent plot for a grand historic blockbuster. It is a pity that directors who are able to master such a project are not yet visible.
On the screen saver - the Russian army at the walls of Kazan. Sketch of the panel for the design of the Kazan station in Moscow, made by Nicholas Roerich. Next - paintings by Russian artists, dedicated to the latest act of opposition to the Russian kingdom and the Kazan Khanate.
"Battle for Kazan" - an epic canvas of the modern Kazan painter Ilyas Faizullin.
The main and almost the only subject of the Russian academic artists of the XVIII-XIX centuries, who addressed the subject of the conquest of the Kazan Khanate, was an image of how the population of the city humbly expresses submission to Tsar Ivan-IV. The fact that such paintings are offensive to "foreigners", in those days did not think. On the left - a typical example of such creativity - GI Ugryumov's painting "Taking of Kazan", 1800 year.
Now they are drawing in a completely different way: On the right is the painting by Ilyas Faizullin "The Ruler of Kazan, Syuyumbike is held captive by Ivan the Terrible."
Another drawing, on which Tatar Murzas kneel and knight bunchyks in front of Tsar Ivan. Author A.D. Kivshenko, 1880 year.
And this is a picture of P.M. Shamshina "Joining of John IV to Kazan", 1890 year. The Khan is presented with a golden golden cap and the prisoners are brought, and his horse steps on the Tatar flag thrown at his feet. At the same time, Kazan residents, who do not want to give up, throw children down and are thrown out of the windows, but no one pays attention to this.
The plots of contemporary artists are more diverse: V. Bodrov’s painting "The Siege of Kazan in 1552 Year."
Painting of the member of the Russian Academy of Arts Firinat Khalikov "The last battle at the Khan's palace". In the center with the Qur'an depicts Imam Kul Sharif, who died in the battle for Kazan. Now the largest Kazan mosque, opened in 2005, is named after him.