The Kazan khanate (Tatar: Qazan Xanlığı) (1438-1552) was a Tatar state on the territory of former Volga Bulgaria with capital in Kazan. It covered contemporary Tatarstan, Mari El, Chuvashia, Mordovia, parts of Udmurtia and Bashkortostan.

It was founded by Olug Moxammat khan in 1437 or 38 as the Golden Horde finally disintegrated. An alternative theory suggests that by late 14th - early 15th century, the former territories of Volga Bulgaria (Kazan Ulus or Kazan Duchy within Golden Horde) managed to regain a degree of independence. The principality was self-governed and maintained a dynasty of Bolgar rulers. Olug Moxammat usurped the throne with help of local nobility. There are suggestions that the transfer of power was finalized by Moxammat's son Maxmud in 1445.

The Kazan Khanate was prone to civil turmoil and struggles for the throne. The khans were replaced 19 times in 115 years, for a total of 15 khans, some ruling 2 or 3 times. The Khan was often elected from Gengizides by Kazan noblemen and even by people.

The politics of the Kazan Khanate was strongly influenced by Muscovy, Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and the Crimean Khanate.

Kazan was capital from 1437 to 1552. In the period of war against the conquerors (1552-1556) Mishatamaq and Chalem became capital.

In 1552 it was conquered by Tzar Ivan IV of Russia. Devlet Giray Khan, ruler of the Khanate of Crimea attacked Moscow to punish Russia.

See also

• List of Kazan khans
• List of Turkic states and empires