Kazan, a historical city located on the shores of Volga.
Kazan is a weird city (Tom liked it a lot). You will find some beautiful Monasteries, Churches, newly build apartments, and a lovely pedestrian zone. But during a stroll Sunday afternoon we met nearly nobody on the streets, apartments are empty and there are basically no shops in the pedestrian zone.
Impressive Kul-Scharif-Moschee
Partly renovated but rather deserted pedestrian zone.
Typical tartastanic buildings, recovered from degradation.
Everything was build or renovated for the 800 anniversary in 2005. However, you get the impression that Kazan only got itself a nice facade hiding its real face.
Inhabitants are living on the other side of the river in more or less old panel flats and shopping takes place on the traditional central market.
The difference of the living and renovated Kazan is especially underlined by the separating Volga.
Shopping of daily goods takes place on the traditional markets.
These are selling everything from shoes, fresh meat to dried and paperized fruits.
Parked cars filled with teenagers in front of the deserted cultural center playing hits from „Kuschelrock“ Cd’s from the 90’s. Skeletons if unfinished buildings are framing the beach and a pedestrian lane just stops outside the touristic region.
Skeletons of buildings are framing the Volga shores.
We were told by a women from Kazan that nobody can afford living in the newly build part of Kazan and only tourist or people coming for Sports events enjoy them.