I. Read the text for detail, single out the key vocabulary related to Russo-Tatar relations and use it in your own examples. Sum up the information presented in the text.

After the fall of the Khazars in the 10^th century, the middle Volga came to be dominated by the mercantile state of Volga Bulgaria, the last vestige of Greater Bulgaria centered at Phanagoria. In the 10^th century the Turkic population of Volga Bulgaria converted to Islam, which facilitated its trade with the Middle East and Central Asia. In the wake of the Mongol invasions of the 1230s, Volga Bulgaria was absorbed by the Golden Horde and its population evolved into the modern Chuvashes and Kazan Tatars.

The Mongols held Russia and Volga Bulgaria in sway from their western capital at Sarai, one of the largest cities of the medieval world. The princes of southern and eastern Russia had to pay tribute to the Mongols of the Golden Horde, commonly called Tatars; but in return they received charters authorizing them to act as deputies to the khans. In general, the princes were allowed considerable freedom to rule as they wished, while the Russian Orthodox Church even experienced a spiritual revival under the guidance of Metropolitan Alexis and Sergius of Radonezh.

To the Orthodox Church and most princes, the fanatical Northern Crusaders seemed a greater threat to the Russian way of life than the Mongols. In the mid-13^th century, Alexander Nevsky, elected prince of Novgorod, acquired heroic status as the result of major victories over the Teutonic Knights and the Swedes. Alexander obtained Mongol protection and assistance in fighting invaders from the west who, hoping to profit from the Russian collapse since the Mongol invasions, tried to grab territory and convert the Russians to Roman Catholicism.

The Mongols left their impact on the Russians in such areas as military tactics and transportation. Under Mongol occupation, Russia also developed its postal road network, census, fiscal system, and military organization. Eastern influence remained strong well until the 17^th century, when Russian rulers made a conscious effort to Westernize their country. In popular memory, this period left a very unpleasant impression, and is referred to as the Tataro-Mongol Yoke.

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_history]

 

II. Say whether the following sentences are true or false, give your comment using the phrases expressing opinion and attitude:

honestly / to be honest; perhaps; frankly / to be frank; actually; naturally; generally; of course; unfortunately.

1. The Mongol yoke had a great effect on Russia.

2. The two processes – the establishment of the Russian nation and fighting the attacks of the Mongols – ran parallel.

3. The Mongol yoke was favorable for Russia.

4. The Mongol yoke brought about isolation of the country from the rest of the world.

5. Marriages between Tatar and Russian women were rare.

 

III. Using your knowledge and the information presented in the previous texts tell about the following people and phenomena in detail:

Islam; the Golden Horde; Tatars khans; Sergius of Radonezh; Northern Crusaders; Alexander Nevsky; Teutonic Knights; Tataro-Mongol Yoke

Text 5