Next lap of “Master Rallye” race will take place in the region of Astrakhan. However, this territory used to be not only Russian. In the ancient times this region was called “peoples’ gates” not by chance - great number of tribes and nations were passing it by, and some of them, such as Khazars, Polovtsians, and Tatars-Mongolians, settled there and even founded their states on its lands.

Till the middle of 10^th century the territory of Astrakhan region and the neighboring area was the homeland for the mighty state of the Khazars, that was taken by Russian prince Svyatoslav in 965. Modern historians believe that the remains of the great Khazaria’s capital - town Itil - are situated not far from present Astrakhan.

In 13-14^th centuries on the territory of modern Astrakhan region the main stand of Tatars-Mongolians - the Golden Horde - was located, with its capital in the town of Saray-Batu. After liberation of the Russian state from the yoke of the Tatars-Mongolians, Astrakhan and its area remained a free autonomous region till 1557, when Astrakhan became one of the frontier fortresses of Russian state, that guarded Caspian Sea and mouth of Volga river.

Later on, in the end of 18^th century, Astrakhan became one of the regional towns of the Caucasus and was ruled by a governor-general. It happened in 1780, and this year marked the beginning of Caucasus subjugation. Russia managed to develop (assimilate, master) and subjugate the lands of Caucasus mostly because of main Russian waterway - river Volga, that served as the only way for transportation of armies and caravans with provisions and equipment from central regions of Russia.

Nowadays Astrakhan is situated on several islands in the delta of Volga, and that’s why the territory of the town is crossed by channels and branches of its main course, and central part of Astrakhan is an island washed by waters of Volga.

Astrakhan, like most Russian cities and towns on the way of “Master Rallye”, is famous not only for its centuries-old history saturated with events, but also for its multiple archeological, historical, architectural and cultural monuments and memorials.

The Kremlin is situated at the highest hill of the town, and its buildings go straight to the water, to the embankment. In its territory there are Uspensky Cathedral, Chapel of Kirill and large number of other monuments of Russian and foreign architecture. Astrakhan can also be proud of its historical-architectural museum that preserves a unique collection of monuments connected with history of Astrakhan freedom, Khazaria, Golden Horde and Astrakhan Cossacks.

Astrakhan is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in the region of Volga, that have kept their importance and were recognized to have a historical value.

Race participants will be surprised to know that further “Master Rallye” caravan will almost follow the roads of the Great Silk Road right to the very finish. By this “Master Rallye” is taking a relay-race of the marathon Paris - Moscow - Peking and finishing it.

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