State policy of the Russian Empire on the Christianization of Muslims in the Middle Volga region in the 16th-19th centuries

Abstract

Based on scientific publications, historical sources and legislative acts of the Russian Empire, the article examines formation and development of the state policy towards Muslims in the Middle Volga region. The baptism of the local Muslim population since the 16th century was considered by the authorities as an effective method of incorporation of Tatars into Russian society. The policy of Christianization of the Tatar population on the part of the state was based on a system of all kinds of benefits and incentives on the one hand, and the containment of Islam and its influence on the other one. The principle of the symphony of spiritual and secular power allowed relatively successful Christianization of the Muslim population. However, this process was uneven and heterogeneous. The state policy towards the Muslims of the Volga region was also quite changeable during the reign of different sovereigns. The process of secularization of society greatly contributed to changes in the policy of Christianization of the Tatar population. The policy of religious tolerance pursued since the time of Catherine II eventually led to the abolition of benefits and equalization of newly-baptized Tatars with the Islamic population in religious and socio-economic rights. The paper reveals basic principles of the policy of Christianization of the Muslim population in the Volga region, the most important periods and aspects are highlighted in the process of Christianization. Thanks to the selected sources, it is possible to build a general picture of the Christianization of Muslims in the Middle Volga region in the 16th19th centuries.