Kasimov

Town's coat of arms

Kasimov (Russian: Касимов, Tatar: Qasím, historically: Xankirmän, Gorodets Meschorsky, Novy Nizovoy), town in Ryazan Oblast of Russia, the administrative center of Kasimovsky District. The town is situated on the left bank of Oka river.

The first population of this area was a Finnic tribe called the Meschiora, later assimilated by Russians and Tatars.

10 roubles 2003

The town was founded in 1152 by the Vladimir-Suzdal ruler Yury Dolgoruky as Grodets, then Gorodets Meschyorskiy (Russian: Городец Мещёрский). In 1376 the town was destroyed by Tatar-Mongol invaders, but was soon bebuilt as Novy Nizovoy (New Low-lying, Russian: Новый Низовой) town. After Battle of Suzdal in 1445, where Great Duke Vasili II was prisoned, Meschiora lands was given to Olug Moxammat, khan of Kazan Khanate as a ransom for Duke's life. In 1452, Great Duke Vasili II of Muscovy gave this town to Kazan prince Qasim khan, who served as tribute inspector of Big Horde, but then came to Russian service. By other accounts, Qasim and his brother Yosif fled from Kazan after losing their bid for the throne against their brother Maxmud (Mäxmüd). After 1471, the town was known as Qasím city. It remained the capital of Qasim Khanate until 1681 when the khanate was reabsorbed into Russia.

A group of Tatars re-settled there in 15th century and are now known as Qasim Tatars. They speak the Mishar dialect, mixed with the Middle Tatar dialect of the Tatar language.

Since 13th century Kasimov became one of the centers of Islam in this region. It was included in the Mishar Yort division of the Golden Horde.

In 17th century, the town was separated into 3 parts:

Old Town (Russian: Старый Посад, Tatar: İske Bistä) and Tatar Town (Russian: Татарская слобода, Tatar: Tatar Bistäse) regulated by khan of Qasim Khanate and Tatar noblemen;
Yamskoy Town (Russian: Ямская слобода) of Russian commoners, regulated by Moscow;
Marfin Town (Russian: Марфина слобода, Tatar: Marfin Bistäse) – part of the city, regulated by Kasimov voyevodas – Russian governors.

Shahgali mausoleum

Population:

1910 – 17,000
2000 – 38,000

Tatar-speaking population of Kasimov:

1910 – 1,000 – 2,000
2000 – 500

Historical buildings:

Stone mosque (1467)
Mausoleum of Shahgali (Şahğäli) Khan (1555)
Mausoleum of Afghan Moxammad (Äfğan Möxämmäd) Khan (1658)
Russian Orthodox churches:
- Church of the Epiphany (Russian: Богоявленская церковь) 17th century;
- St. Nicholas Church (Russian: Никольская церковь) 17th century;
- Trinity Church (Russian: Троицкая церковь) 17th century;
- Cathedral of the Ascension (Russian: Вознесенский собор) 19th century;

Kasimov

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