Qolsharif

Qolşärif or Qol-Sharif (? - 1552) was a statesman and religious leader (seid) of Khanate of Kazan, Old Tatar language-poet.

He participated in some diplomatic missions on behalf of Kazan khans to Muscovy and there carried out negotiations for the khanate's independence.

In 1552 he was one of leaders of Kazan's defense from the Russian troops of Ivan the Terrible. He also participated in the negotiations with Russian representatives in Sviyajsk (Zöyä). After the storm of Kazan started, he organized a group of shakirds (students) and defended the Khan Palace. He was killed durning the battle.

Later, four of his poems were included in "The Book of Baqırğan". Qolşärif's literary legacy was published in "İ küñel, bu dönyadır (O, soil, may be this world...)", a collection of verses (Kazan, 1997). It is believed that the authorship of the dastan "Qíssai Xöbbi xuca" also belongs to him. It was published in 1889.

*Qolsharif mosque