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

[oskanov.livejournal.com]

It is quite natural that you find some of Tatar people looking "exotically". The modern anthropological studies show, that in fact this folk is derived from 4 different phenotypes including both Caucasoid and Mongoloid traits. All of them has been mixing for many-many years, so now it is difficult to say exactly how should typical Tatar man or woman look like. But as for the girl on your picture she obviously bears mongoloid traits, e.g. epicanthic fold. As for me this very type of Tatar women is the most beautiful one... :)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I agree! She's beautiful, in a very natural way. These are the types of females I find most attractive. :)