Astrakhan

Astrakhan (??????????; Ästerxan), a major city in southern European Russia and the administrative center of Astrakhan Oblast. The city lies on the Volga river, close to where it discharges into the Caspian Sea, at {{coor dm|46|22|N|48|05|E|}}. Population (1.1.2004): 502,800.

Medieval history

Astrakhan is situated in the Volga delta, rich in sturgeons and exotic plants. The fertile area formerly contained the capitals of Khazaria and the Golden Horde. Astrakhan itself was first mentioned by travellers in the early 13th century as Xacitarxan. Tamerlane burnt it to the ground. From 1459 to 1556, Xacitarxan was the capital of Astrakhan Khanate. The ruins of this medieval settlement were found by archaeologists 12 km upstream from the modern-day city.

Related Topics:
Delta - Sturgeon - Khazaria - Golden Horde - Xacitarxan - Tamerlane - 1459 - 1556 - Astrakhan Khanate

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In 1556 the khanate was conquered by Ivan the Terrible, who had a new fortress built on a steep hill overlooking the Volga. In 1569, Astrakhan was besieged by the Ottoman army, which had to retreat in disarray. A year later, the Sultan renounced his claims to Astrakhan, thus opening the entire Volga River to Russian traffic. In the 17th century, the city was developed as a Russian gates to the Orient. Many merchants from Armenia, Persia, and Khiva settled in the downtown, giving it a multinational and variegated character.

Related Topics:
1556 - Ivan the Terrible - 1569 - Ottoman - Volga - Armenia - Persia - Khiva

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