The oldest economic and cultural center of the Lower Volga, it is often called the southernmost outpost of Russia and the Caspian capital.Its population is diverse and includes one hundred ethnicities and fourteen religious denominations.
The city is located in the upper part of the Volga delta, on eleven islands of the Caspian Depression. The distance to Moscow by road is 1,411 kilometers.
Astrakhan is situated in the Volga Delta, which is rich in sturgeon and exotic plants. The fertile area formerly contained the capitals of Khazaria and the Golden Horde. Astrakhan itself was first mentioned by travelers in the early 13th century as Xacitarxan. Tamerlane burnt it to the ground in 1395. From 1459 to 1556, Xacitarxan was the capital of Astrakhan Khanate. The ruins of this medieval settlement were found by archaeologists 12 km upstream from the modern-day city.
A lovely sunset postcard from Astrakhan. This card was a nice surprise as it reminded me of the
short pit stop in Astrakhan, my last Russian city just before crossing the border into Kazakhstan.
Thanks to Lola for the card! (postcrossing)
Sent: 9 January 2015 Received: 26 January 2015 Travelled:
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