Kasimov

 city, second-level administrative division, historic capital, district center

Kasimov (Russian: Касимов; Tatar: Касыйм, Qasím, historically: Xankirmän, Gorodets Meschorsky, Novy Nizovoy) is a town in Ryazan Oblast, Russia, the administrative center of Kasimovsky District. The town is situated on the left bank of the Oka River. Population: 33,491 (2010 Census).
The first population of this area was a Finnic tribe called the Meshchyora, later assimilated by Russians and Tatars. The town was founded in 1152 by the Vladimir-Suzdal ruler Yuri Dolgorukiy as Grodets, then Gorodets Meschyorsky (Городец Мещёрский). It was included in the Mishar Yurt division of the Golden Horde, but then was sold to Muscovy. In 1376, the town was destroyed by the Mongol, but was soon rebuilt as Novy Nizovoy (Новый Низовой). After the Battle of Suzdal in 1445 (in which Grand Duke Vasily II was taken prisoner), the Meschyora lands were given to Oluğ Möxämmäd, Khan of Kazan Khanate as a ransom for the sovereign's life. In 1452, Great Duke Vasily II of the Grand Duchy of Moscow gave this town to Kazan prince Qasim Khan, who served as tribute inspector of the Great Horde, but then came to Russian service. By other accounts, Qasim and his brother Yosif fled from Kazan after losing their bid for the throne against their brother Mäxmüd. After 1471, the town was known as Qasím city. It remained the capital of Qasim Khanate until 1681 when the khanate was re-absorbed into Russia. A group of Tatars settled there in 15th century and are now known as Qasim Tatars. They speak the Mishar dialect, mixed with the Middle Tatar dialect of the Tatar language. In the 19th century, it became known for its waiters, who staffed many of the St Petersburg hotels.