Kasimov, Historical town on Oka River in Ryazan Oblast, Russia
Kasimov sits on the left bank of the Oka River at an elevation of roughly 100 meters (330 feet), combining Russian Orthodox churches with Tatar architecture. The historic center runs along the river with streets climbing upward from the water into forested areas.
Yuri Dolgorukiy founded the settlement in 1152 under the name Gorodets Meschyorsky as a border fortress in the Vladimir-Suzdal principality. From 1452 the settlement became the capital of the Qasim Khanate and kept this status until full incorporation into the Russian Tsardom in 1681.
The town takes its name from Qasim Khan, a Tatar ruler of the 15th century whose successors governed here for over three centuries. Russian wooden houses with carved window frames stand beside Muslim burial structures from the 16th century that visitors can still see today.
Regular bus connections run to Ryazan, which lies roughly 165 kilometers (100 miles) to the southwest, as no direct rail line reaches the town. The old center is best explored on foot, with comfortable shoes recommended because of steep streets linking the riverfront to the upper town.
In the 19th century trained waiters from here earned a reputation across Russia and worked in leading restaurants of Saint Petersburg. Their skill made the town name a synonym for refined service in the dining establishments of that era.
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