Arsk

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Coordinates: 56°05′N, 49°53′E

Arsk or Archa (Russian: Арск, [arsk]; Tatar Cyrillic: Арск, Latin: Arça, [ʌrˈɕa]) is an urban-type settlement in the northern-eastern part of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. It is located 65 km from Kazan, the republic's capital. Arsk is the administrative center of Arsky District. It stands on the banks of the Kazanka River. Arsk is also a station on the Kazan-Agryz railroad. It was founded in the 13th century by Volga Bulgarians. Population: 17,211 (2002 Census, with Tatars comprising 83% and Russians—15% of the population, with Mordvins, Mari, Chuvash and Udmurts making up the remaining 2%; 13,938 (1989 Census).

The Tatar name of the town (Arça) can be translated as Udmurt's or Udmurtian. The town was a capital of Arsk Darugha (Arça daruğası) during the Kazan Khanate period (a darugha was a type of subdivision of Kazan Khanate). Even though the town was located in the area mostly populated by Tatars, the larger part of darugha's population was Udmurt. It is possible that earlier population of this area was also Finnic, who later assimilated with the Tatars. Arsk was one of the strongest forts in the khanate. It was captured by the Russian army under Prince Vorotynsky in 1552.

In 1708–1796 it was a center of Arsky Uyezd. In 1918, it was taken in an anti-Bolshevik peasant rebellion. In 1920–1930, it was a center of Arsky Kanton.

Eastern part of Kazan, that formerly was situated out of the Arsk Gates of Kazan during Khanate's epoch was called Arsk Field. Later, this name spread to cermentary, now situated in Central Kazan.

[edit] See also

• Ar begs