Alexander Gertsen, writer | “In some way Kazan is the focus, the center of all the provinces that border on its territory in the south and east: through Kazan these provinces acquire education, customs and fashions. In general the meaning of Kazan is great: this is the place where two worlds meet. That’s why Kazan has two origins – Western and Oriental, and they could be met everywhere: here, because of unceasing interaction, they contracted, became good friends and turned into something very original in its nature. The European origin weakens towards the east; the Oriental dies closer to the west. If according to Peter the Great, Russia is predestined to bring the Western world into Asia and to acquaint Europe with the Oriental culture, then without a doubt Kazan is the main caravanserai on this way, where European ideas travel to Asia and the Asian character – to Europe”. |
