Snapshot from Tatarstan

[peacetraveler22]

I don't know much about the Tatars, but I began to go through old photos I took in Kazan last year and noticed I have a lot of shots of locals walking the streets. I guess their appearance is highly unusual to me, even exotic to some extent. Here's just one example. About this girl (woman?), I know nothing, but find her intriguing. :)

What do I need to know about the Tatars, and this Republic of Russia? My host in this city spoke very little English, so it was difficult to learn a lot about the region from the native showing me around. Please share any interesting facts or insights. I struggle to understand why cities like Kazan are so much nicer than other parts of Russia? Is it because the region is rich in oil, and has more resources? Kazan is now my second favorite city, only Peter is more aesthetically pleasing. Both have very friendly locals, and Kazan has more English speakers than any other city I've visited. I guess because there are so many young students there, but it makes navigation in the city much easier for a foreign tourist like me...

Comments

[Макс (from livejournal.com)]

I just remembered funny story about Tatars.

Once they come to Stalin and said him: listen man, have you heard what they say about us? This Russian proverb. They're saying that unexpected guest is worse than Tatar. We don't like this type of attitude, what the hell does this mean? What they're trying to say - we're bad? Stalin thought for a few minutes and then said: Ok, men, I got it. I hereby declare that unexpected guest is better than Tartar.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

What is the issue? They're strongly disliked, even in modern day Russia? They are 1000% more friendly than the average Muscovite...:)

[Макс (from livejournal.com)]

Isn't it obvious? I don't know how to say it directly, I'll just try to explain this with an example. Imagine that you're badly concerned what other people are thinking of you. So badly that you're going to Stalin and tell him - listen buddy, it seems to me that those people don't like me at all and you have to do something with them. Yes, and he does. But in a manner that you don't expect. Actually it turns out even worse for you than it was before. But the truth is that nobody care about you in the first place and this was all just a figment of you imagination.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I didn't mean in the context of your joke. I meant in real life, but I understand the point. Thanks for the further explanation. :))