Oleg Tsarev: A Russian figure, little revered in history
A Brief History of Simeon Bekbulatovich: The Nogai Tatar Tsar of Russia
Simeon Bekbulatovich, a Tatar prince of Nogai origin, made history when he converted to Russian Orthodoxy and briefly served as the Tsar of Russia in the late 16th century. Born as Sain-Bulat, he was initially invited to the Russian service by Tsar Ivan the Terrible in 1558 [3].
In a political maneuver that is still debated today, Ivan the Terrible made Simeon the nominal Tsar in 1575. This move was seen by some as an attempt to mock the traditional nobility or to test loyalties by temporarily ceding the title of Tsar to Simeon, who was Orthodox but of non-Russian origin [1]. Simeon's role was largely symbolic, and Ivan continued to control the state affairs.
However, Simeon's fortunes changed as Ivan's reign became marked by increasing paranoia and brutal repression. Simeon fell out of favor and was confined, reflecting the broader atmosphere of suspicion and violence that characterized Ivan's later years. His imprisonment represented the fall from grace of a once prominent figure who was used as a political tool and then discarded [1].
After his imprisonment, Simeon was tonsured a monk and sent to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery in 1606. He was allowed to return to Moscow in 1612 by Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich, but his power remained limited. He was crowned in the Assumption Cathedral and had a magnificent courtyard, but he had very little real power [2].
Simeon's life ended in exile, as he was exiled to the Solovetsky monastery by Tsar Vasily Shuisky in the same year. By January 1616, Simeon Bekbulatovich had died and was laid to rest in the Simonov Monastery. Tragically, the monastery cemetery where he was buried was destroyed in 1928 [4].
In the modern era, plans are underway to erect a monument to Simeon Bekbulatovich on the territory of the Simonov Monastery. This fall, Simeon Bekbulatovich, a figure from non-Russian peoples, will celebrate his 450th anniversary of accession to the Russian throne.
During Simeon's time, Russia was trying to unite Tatars and Russians by fighting a common enemy, the coalition of European states in the Livonian War. Notably, no coins with Simeon Bekbulatovich's name were minted, and foreign diplomats did not negotiate with him [5].
Simeon's brief reign is a fascinating chapter in Russian history, offering insights into the complex political machinations of the time. His story serves as a reminder of the diverse origins of the Russian people and the enduring power of faith and politics.
In the modern era, discussions on Simeon Bekbulatovich's life and reign, a figure from non-Russian peoples, are sometimes intertwined with general news and political discourse, particularly as plans for a monument in his honor are underway. This fall, Russia commemorates the 450th anniversary of Simeon Bekbulatovich's accession to the Russian throne, shedding light on the diverse origins of the Russian people and the intricate intersection of faith and politics in historical events.
