Novyy Kyrlay is best explored through two themes: the life of the Tatar poet Gabdulla Tukay and a fairy-tale world connected to his literature. Tukay lived in Novyy Kyrlay from 1892 to 1895; many of his fairy tales are set in the village. A map of Shurale takes visitors along a fairy-tale trail to the residence of Kysh Babai. When choosing a holiday rental, you may therefore want to focus more on the literary landmarks or the fairy-tale attractions.

Tukay’s Life and Literary Legacy

The Gabdulla Tukay State Literary and Memorial Museum Complex in Novyy Kyrlay comprises the Gabdulla Tukay Museum, the Saghdi House and the Akhmatkhan Bai House. The museum collection includes editions of the poet’s works published during his lifetime and photographs of him, newspapers and magazines whose editorial offices he worked with, as well as personal belongings and documents belonging to people in his circle. Literary works, publishing connections and records from Tukay’s circle are brought together here.

Spruce and pine trees mentioned in Tukay’s poem “Shurale” grow in the garden of the Gabdulla Tukay Museum. This is a different kind of literary connection from the museum collections: here, two tree species point to a specific poem. The map of Shurale also connects a fairy-tale narrative with a route to the residence.

Houses and Historical Connections

Saghdi House, the homestead of Tukay’s foster father, Saghdi Salikhov, was restored on the site where Tukay had lived. He was raised there by the Salikhov family from 1892 to 1894. Akhmatkhan Bai House adds an architectural highlight: it is a two-storey wooden house dating from 1893, decorated with carved and applied ornament. Thus, a place connected with Tukay’s family history stands alongside a wooden house with a specific date.

The dates put the building and life stories in context: Tukay’s stay in Novyy Kyrlay lasted from 1892 to 1895; he was raised by the Salikhovs from 1892 to 1894, and Bai House dates from 1893. This places the biographical milestones and the construction date within the same time frame.

Fairy-Tale World and Seasonal Activities

In the spruce forest of Novyy Kyrlay stands a terem, a traditional wooden house designed as the home of Kysh Babai, the Tatar Father Frost, and Kar Kyzy, the Snow Maiden. The residence’s programme varies by season. The “Forest of Wonders” park offers seasonal interactive programmes, quests and workshops. The park also offers sledding and horseback rides.

A map of Shurale takes visitors along a fairy-tale trail to the residence, where they encounter riddles and fairy-tale characters along the way. The map links the route with story motifs, while interactive programmes, quests and workshops are seasonal activities. Check the dates of seasonal programmes before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Zelenodolsk, Kazan, Nizhnekamsk, Kildebyak, Osinovo, Chistopol, Leninogorsk, Vysokaya Gora

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