Kazan

The Siege of Kazan, commonly known in Russia as the capture of Kazan by the troops of Tsar Ivan IV, took place in 1552. After months of preparation, the Russian army besieged the capital of the Kazan Khanate to expand the Tsardom of Russia. The lengthy siege ended with the fall of the city and a massacre, marking a significant expansion of Russian territory into the Muslim-dominated Volga region. This event effectively brought the Kazan Khanate to an end, as it was annexed by the Russian Tsardom.

Pugachev's Rebellion was a major revolt in Russia from 1773 to 1775 led by Yemelyan Pugachev, a pretender to the throne, claiming to be Emperor Peter III. On July 12, 1774, the rebellion reached Kazan, where Pugachev's forces captured and sacked the city. The rebellion was part of a larger Cossack revolt against the Russian noble class and emphasized peasant grievances, leading to sweeping military and political changes clear across the Russian Empire.

The Kazan Aviation Institute, now known as Kazan National Research Technical University, officially commenced on October 30, 1930. It was established as an essential educational center focused on advancing the Soviet Union's aeronautical engineering capabilities. Over the years, it became a leading institution in the Soviet Union for training specialists in aircraft industry, contributing significantly to the USSR's development of its Air Force and aviation technology sector.

During the final days of World War II in Europe, Kazan played a critical role as part of the Soviet Union by contributing significantly to the war effort. As numerous factories were relocated far from the front lines, including to Kazan, the city became a crucial center for war production. This included manufacturing weapons and aircraft, which greatly aided the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. On May 9, 1945, the Allies celebrated Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), marking the formal acceptance of Germany's unconditional surrender.

On August 30, 1990, the Tatar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic declared its sovereignty, renaming itself the Republic of Tatarstan. This major political event occurred during the period of Soviet disintegration and marked an assertion of autonomy amid Russia’s regions. The declaration aimed to gain more self-governing powers, reflecting the broader trend of regions seeking increased autonomy as the Soviet Union began to dissolve.

Kazan celebrated its millennium on August 30, 2005, commemorating 1000 years since its founding. The grand celebration included the opening of a new metro line, concerts, and various cultural events. Dignitaries from around the world attended, and the city received significant investment leading up to the event, modernizing many parts of the city infrastructure and enhancing its status as a cultural and historical center in Russia.

The 27th Summer Universiade was held in Kazan from July 6 to July 17, 2013. Known as the world university games, this prestigious event brought together student-athletes from all around the globe to compete in a variety of sports. The Universiade in Kazan was the largest in history by the count of participating nations and athletes. It significantly boosted the local economy and infrastructure, including the construction of new sports facilities and accommodation.

On May 29, 2015, the Kazan Arena staged its inaugural international football match when the Russian national team faced Belarus in a friendly. The stadium, which is one of the most modern sports facilities in the country, was originally built for the 2013 Summer Universiade and later served as a venue for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The match marked the beginning of Kazan's emergence as a prominent center for international sports events in Russia.

Kazan was one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, held in Russia. On June 30, 2018, the Kazan Arena was the stage for a thrilling match where France defeated Argentina 4-3 in the Round of 16. The match was considered one of the most exciting of the tournament, showcasing the international level of football facilities in Kazan and enhancing the city's reputation as a sports hub. The World Cup brought a surge in tourism and global attention to the city.

Kazan hosted WorldSkills 2019 from August 22 to 27, marking one of the largest skills competitions globally. This event brought together young professionals from various countries to compete in an array of vocational skill areas, ranging from mechanical engineering to culinary arts. The competition highlighted Kazan as a center for skill development and innovation, drawing participants and experts worldwide and showcasing the city's commitment to education and industry excellence.