It is a well-known fact that Tatars influenced Russia culturally in many ways. One of the influences resulted from the assimilation and russification of Tatars by the Russians over many centuries. Many Russians who have a Tatar background have names that originated from the Tatar language. The book lists a few hundred of such names, including the names of many famous and outstanding Russians. The book is fascinating to read.

This fascinating book written by Ravil Bukharayev is an excellent example of serious, scholarly approach to the subject of economic and political reform in post-Communist societies. This is a book that ought to be recommended to Vladimir Putin, the leader who is expected to continue the course of reforms in Russia. Tatarstan's example of slow but steady movement toward the market economy and democratic system ought to be emulated by Russia, which over the last 10 years stumbled from one crisis to another on its way to the same goal. President Shaimiyev's leadership in Tatarstan ensured a much more successful and effective transition to what Russia has been trying to achive without much success.

This is a well-written book, comprehensively tracing the history, culture, and politics of the Tatarstan region from ancient times to the Soviet era. The author draws from a wealth of Turkish and Tatar source documents and articles, covering every issue from religion to education to ethnic identity. Interesting Tatar poems are included as well.

It's really a different approach to the roots of some turkish groups that they are still living in the middle of the asia.