Tatar Handbook

Who are the Tatars?

Tatars are a Turkic people with a centuries-long history, formed across the vast territory of Eurasia. The largest group is the Volga Tatars, who have historically lived in the Middle Volga region and the Urals. In addition, there are Crimean Tatars, Siberian Tatars, and numerous diaspora communities around the world.

Modern Tatars are a people with a rich culture, a strong urban tradition, their own literature, language, music, and cuisine. Historically, Tatars played an important role in the development of statehood, trade, and culture in the region.

How many Tatars are there in the world?

According to various estimates, between 7 and 8 million Tatars live worldwide.

• Around 5–5.5 million live in Russia;

• Large communities exist in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan;

• Significant diasporas can be found in Turkey, Finland, Germany, Poland, the United States, and Canada.

Tatars are one of the largest ethnic groups in Russia and the largest Turkic people in Europe.

When did Tatarstan emerge?

The modern Republic of Tatarstan was established in 1920 as the Tatar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic within the RSFSR.

However, Tatar statehood has much deeper roots:

• Volga Bulgaria (9th–13th centuries)

• The Golden Horde

• The Kazan Khanate (15th–16th centuries)

These states played a key role in shaping the Tatar people, language, and political tradition.

Is Tatarstan a state?

Legally, Tatarstan is not an independent state, but a republic within the Russian Federation.

At the same time, Tatarstan has:

• its own constitution;

• a head of the republic (currently titled Rais);

• two state languages: Tatar and Russian;

• a strong economy and a distinct regional identity.

Historically, especially in the 1990s, the republic enjoyed broader political autonomy.

Why does Tatarstan seek sovereignty?

The aspiration for sovereignty in Tatarstan is less about secession and more about preserving identity:

• protection of the Tatar language;

• control over natural resources;

• the right to shape its own cultural and educational policies;

• historical memory of its own statehood.

In the 1990s, Tatarstan pursued treaty-based relations with the federal center, emphasizing its special status.

How many speakers of the Tatar language are there?

The Tatar language is one of the most widely spoken Turkic languages.

• Total number of speakers: around 5–6 million people;

• It is a state language of the Republic of Tatarstan;

• Used in education, media, literature, and religious life.

At the same time, the language faces challenges, including a reduced role in mandatory education and pressure from the dominant Russian language.

Frequently Googled and viral questions

Are Tatars Muslims?

Most Tatars practice Sunni Islam, but there are also secular Tatars and representatives of other religions.

Are Tatars and Mongols the same?

No. Historically, the term “Tatars” was used broadly, but modern Tatars are a distinct Turkic people.

Is the Tatar language similar to Turkish?

The languages are related but not mutually intelligible without study.

Can you learn Tatar?

Yes. The language is considered moderately difficult, with logical grammar and no grammatical gender.