Kazan is one of the oldest Tatar cities in Russia. The estimates of its foundation date range from the early 11th century to the late 13th century. It was the seat of the Tatar Khan and the capital of a region of the Golden Horde in the 15th and 16th centuries. Now Kazan is famous for the unique blend of Muslim and Christian influences, magnificent ancient cathedrals and mosques, its beautiful Kremlin, and the Kul Sharif mosque built in 2005 to commemorate the millenium of the city. Kazan is the capital city of the Tatar Republic, where the Tatar culture, language and traditions are thoroughly preserved.