once vast empire called the Golden Horde split into three khanates: Kazan, Astrakhan and the Crimea.And, despite the rivalry that exists between them, they still represented a real threat to the Russian state.Moscow's troops have been several attempts to storm the fortress-city of Kazan.But every time she bravely reflect all attacks.Such a course of events could not arrange Ivan IV the Terrible.And after numerous trips finally came that memorable date.The capture of Kazan took place October 2, 1552.
Background In the 1540s the Russian state policy in relation to the East has changed.The era of the boyars strife in the struggle for the throne of Moscow finally ended.There was a question about what to do with the Kazan Khanate, which is headed by the Government Safa Giray.
I must say that his policies almost pushed herself to Moscow to take more decisive action.The fact that Safa Giray sought an alliance with the Crimean Khanate, which ran counter to the peace agreement signed between him and Russian tsar.Kazan princes from time to time made devastating raids on border areas of the Moscow State to obtain a good income from the slave trade.Because of this, there were endless clashes.Continuing to ignore the hostile actions of the Volga region of the state, which are covered by the impact of the Crimea, and through him, and the Ottoman Empire, it was impossible.
Peace enforcement
Kazan Khanate was necessary to somehow rein.Former Moscow's policy, which was supported by officials loyal to it, as well as appointment of the Kazan throne of his henchmen, to nothing lead.All of them quickly learn and start to lead a hostile policy towards the Russian state.
At this time, the Moscow government had a huge impact Metropolitan Macarius.He was the initiator of most campaigns that has made Ivan IV the Terrible.Gradually, in the circles close to the Metropolitan, he had the idea to solve the problem of power, which represents the Kazan Khanate.By the way, at the beginning of the complete subjugation and conquest of the eastern states is not foreseen.Only in the course of military campaigns, 1547-1552 years old plans have changed, which resulted in the subsequent capture of Kazan by the troops of Ivan the Terrible.
first hiking
I must say that most of the military campaigns on the fortress, headed by the king in person.Therefore, we can assume that Ivan attached great importance to data campaigns.The history of the conquest of Kazan would be incomplete without at least briefly tell us about all the episodes taken Muscovite tsar on this issue.
first campaign was carried out in 1545.He had the appearance of a military demonstration, whose purpose was to strengthen the influence of the Moscow Party, managed to drive out of the city of Khan Safa Giray.The following year, he took the throne of Moscow's protege - Prince Ali Shah.But how long to stay on the throne, he could not, as Safa Giray, with support from the Nogai again regained power.
next campaign was undertaken in 1547.This time, Ivan the Terrible was at home, as he was busy with wedding preparations - he was going to marry Anastasia Zakharina, St. George.Instead, the campaign led by the governors and Alexander Simon Mikulinsky Humpback.They reached the mouth Sviyaga and devastated many enemy land.
history of the conquest of Kazan would end in November 1547.This campaign has already led the king himself.Since that year the winter was too warm, the output of the main forces detained.Artillery batteries have reached Vladimir, only 6 of December.In Nizhny Novgorod, the main force arrived at the end of January, after which the army moved down the Volga River.But after a few days again thaw.Russian troops began to suffer heavy losses in the form of siege artillery, which is sinking and drowning in the river together with the people.Ivan the Terrible had to camp on the island of processing.
losses in equipment and manpower can not have contributed to the success of the military operation.Therefore, the king decided to turn back its troops first in Nizhny Novgorod, and then in Moscow.But the army still went on.It was the Best Regiment under the command of Prince Mikulinskaya and cavalry Kasimov prince Shah Ali.On Arsky field battle took place in which the army Safa Giray was broken, and he had taken refuge for the remnants of the Kazan fortress walls.Take the city by storm did not dare, because without siege artillery it was impossible.
next winter campaign was scheduled for late 1549 - early 1550.His conduct has contributed to the news that the main enemy of the Russian state, Safa Giray died.Since Kazan Embassy has not received the new Khan of Crimea, he was declared ruler of his two year old son - Utyamysh Giray.But while he was small, manual Khanate began to exercise his mother - the Queen Syuyumbike.Moscow Tsar decided to take advantage of this dynastic crisis and again to go to Kazan.He even secured the blessing of Metropolitan Macarius.
January 23 Russian troops re-entered the Kazan land.Reaching the fortress, they began to prepare for her assault.However, adverse weather conditions prevented to do it again.According to the chronicles, the winter was too warm with abundant rainfall, so keep the siege by all the rules was not possible.In this regard, the Russian army had to retreat again.
Organization campaign in 1552
to him began to prepare for early spring.During March and April of Nizhny Novgorod in Sviyazhsk fortress gradually transported provisions, ammunition and siege artillery.By the end of May from among Muscovites and residents of other Russian cities, it was assembled the whole army of no less than 145 thousand soldiers.Later, all the units are spread in three cities.
In Kolomna there were three regiments - Advanced, Large and left hand in Kashira - Right hand and Murom stationed Ertoulnaya of the equestrian exploration.Some of them have moved in the direction of Tula and repelled the first attack of the Crimean troops under the command of Devlet Giray, who tried to thwart the plans of Moscow.By doing so, the Crimean Tatars only a short time managed to detain the Russian army.
Speech
Campaign aimed at the capture of Kazan, started July 3rd, 1552.The troops were, divided into two columns.Sovereign Way, Sentinel and the Left Hand regiment passed through Vladimir Moore and Sura to the river, and then to the mouth of the Sura.This army drove the king Ivan.The rest of the army he put under the command of Michael Vorotynsky.These two colonies were united only Boroncheeva Mounds of Sura.August 13th the army reached its full complement of Sviyazhsk.After 3 days, the troops began to cross the Volga.This process is somewhat delayed, but on August 23 a large army under the walls of Kazan.The capture of the city began almost immediately.
Ready enemy
Kazan also make all the necessary preparations for a new war.The city was the most fortified.Around the Kazan Kremlin was built a double wall of oak.Inside, it was filled with rubble, and on top - clayey silt.In addition, the fortress had 14 stone towers, battlements.The approaches to it were covered rivers: the west - Bulak, from the north - Kazanka.From the Arsk field, where it is very convenient to carry bulwarks, it was dug pit, 15 meters deep and more than 6 meters wide.The most poorly protected place is 11 gates, despite the fact that they were with the towers.Warriors shoot with the city walls, covered the wooden roof and the parapet.
In the city of Kazan, in the north-west side of it, there was a citadel built on a hill.It was the residence of Khan.It was surrounded by a thick stone wall and a deep moat.Defenders of the city is the 40,000th garrison, consisting not only of professional soldiers.It included all men capable to bear arms.Furthermore, here it was also included 5000th detachment of temporarily mobilized merchants.
Han knew that sooner or later the Russian Tsar again try to make the capture of Kazan.Therefore Tatar military commanders and even outfitted a special detachment of soldiers who had to fight outside the city, that is in the rear of the enemy army.To this end, approximately 15 miles from the river Kazanka was a pre-built prison, which blocked the approaches to swamps and abatis.There was supposed to stay 20,000th Cavalry Army under the leadership of Prince Apanchi, Arsky Prince Evusha and Shunak-Murza.According to the developed military strategy they had to suddenly attack the Russian army on both flanks and rear.
Looking ahead, it should be noted that all actions taken to protect the fortress did not materialize.The army of Ivan the Terrible had too much superiority not only in manpower but also the latest methods of warfare.This refers to the underground galleries of mine construction.
first encounter
can say that the capture of Kazan (1552) started at the moment, as soon as Ertoulny regiment crossed the river Bulak.Tatar troops attacked it in a very good time.Russian regiment just climbed up a steep slope overcoming Arsky field.All the other royal troops were still on the other side and could not join the battle.
Meanwhile, from the open gate of Tsarevo and Nogai meet Ertoulnomu regiment came 10000th foot and 5000th equestrian army Kazan Khan.But the situation was saved.On aid Ertoulnomu regiment rushed archers and Cossacks.They were on the left wing and managed to open a fairly heavy fire on the enemy, causing mixed Tatar cavalry.Russian troops approached the additional reinforcement significantly increased shelling.The cavalry is even more upset and soon fled, while his infantry smashed.Thus ended the first encounter with the Tatars, brought the victory of Russian arms.
siege began
bombardment of the fortress began on 27 August.Archers did not give rise to the defenders of the city walls, and successfully repelled the frequent attacks of the enemy.At the first stage the siege of Kazan was complicated by the actions of the army of Prince Yapanchi.He and his cavalry attacked the Russian troops when the fortress there is a large banner.At the same time, and they were accompanied by incursions from the fortress garrison.
Such actions carried with them a considerable threat to the Russian host, so the king assembled a council of war, which made the decision to equip the 45000th army against prince Yapanchi.Russian detachment headed magistrates Peter and Alexander Silver Humpback.August 30 his false retreat, they were able to lure the territory of the Tatar cavalry Arsky field and took her into the environment.Most of the enemy troops was destroyed and about a thousand soldiers were captured prince.They were taken straight to the walls of the city and immediately executed.Those who were lucky enough to escape, had taken refuge in the prison.
September 6 and magistrates Silver Humpback with his Ratiu went hiking to the river Kama, burning and pillaging on their way from Kazan land.They stormed the prison, located on a high mountain.The chronicle says that even commanders were forced to step down from their horses and take part in the bloody battle.As a result of the enemy base from which to raid the Russian troops from the rear, it was completely destroyed.After that, the king's troops went deep into the khanate for another 150 miles, with virtually exterminated the local population.After reaching Kama, they turned around and headed back to the fortress walls.Thus, the land of the Kazan Khanate underwent a similar devastation as Russian when they were attacked by Tatar troops.The result of this campaign, 30 were ruined forts, about 3 thousand prisoners and a large number of stolen cattle.
End the siege
After the destruction of Prince Yapanchi forces, nothing could prevent further siege.The capture of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible was now only a matter of time.Russian artillery is getting closer to the walls of the city, and the fire grew more intense.Near Tsarevo gate built huge siege tower height of 13 meters.It was above the walls.She set the gun, 50 and 10 guns, which were pounding the city streets, thereby causing considerable damage to the defenders of Kazan.
And at the same time a German Rozmysel, who was the king's service, together with his students, started dig a tunnel from the walls of the enemy, in order to lay mines.The first charge was laid in Daurova tower, where there was a secret water sources feeding the city.When detonated, it destroyed not only the whole supply of water, but also greatly damaged the fortress wall.Next underground explosion destroyed Muravleva gates.With great difficulty the Kazan garrison was able to repulse the attack of Russian troops and establish a new defensive line.
Underground explosions have shown their effectiveness.The command of the Russian troops decided not to stop the shelling and undermining the city walls.It is understood that the assault early can lead to unnecessary losses of manpower.By the end of September we made numerous dig under the walls of Kazan.Explosions they were to serve as a signal to take the fortress.In those areas where going to storm the city, all the ditches were filled with logs and earth.In other places through them threw a wooden footbridge.
Storming fortress
Before you move your army in the capture of Kazan, the Russian command sent to the city Murza Kamaya (served in the imperial army a lot of Tatar warriors), demanding surrender.But it was flatly rejected.October 2, early in the morning Russian steel thoroughly prepare for an attack.By 6 o'clock regiments were already on pre-conditioned places.All of the rears Army cavalry units were covered: Kasimov Tatars were on Arsk field, while the other stood on the shelves, and the Nogai Galician roads.
Exactly at 7:00, two explosions.This triggered the charges laid down in the tunnel between the Nameless Tower and Atalykovymi gates, as well as in the gap and Tsarevo Arsky gate.As a result of these actions fortress near field collapsed and formed huge openings.Through them, the Russian troops quite easily broke into the city.Since the capture of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible has come to its final stage.
In the narrow streets of the city there were fierce fights.It should be noted that the hatred between the Russian and Tatar accumulated over several decades.Therefore, the citizens understand that they will not be spared and fought to the last breath.The largest centers of resistance were Khan's stronghold and the main mosque, located on Tezitskom ravine.
first all attempts of Russian troops seize these positions have not been successful.Only after the battle entered the reserve of fresh troops, the enemy's resistance was broken.The royal army is still seized a mosque and defend it all together with Seid Kul-Sharif were killed.
last battle, which ended with the capture of Kazan and occurred in the territory of the square before the palace Khan.It was defended by the Tatar army in the amount of about 6 thousand people.Of these survivors have left one, as no prisoners were taken.The only survivor was Yadygar Mohammed Khan.Later he was baptized and became known as Simeon.He was given an inheritance to Zvenigorod.Men among the defenders of the city were saved very little, and was sent by the chase, which destroyed almost all.
Consequences
taken by Russian troops Kazan entailed joining the Moscow vast areas of the Middle Volga, where lived a multitude of people: Bashkirs, Chuvash, Tatars, Udmurts, Mari.In addition, winning the fortress, the Russian state to get the most important economic center, which was Kazan.And after the fall of the Astrakhan Muscovy it was important to control the water commercial artery - the Volga.In the year
capture of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible in the Middle Volga region was destroyed by hostile toward Moscow Crimean-Ottoman political alliance.The eastern borders of the state is no longer threatened with being taken away from the constant raids of the local population into slavery.
Year capture of Kazan was negative in terms of what the Tatars, who professed Islam, to settle in the city was forbidden.
