R.M. Valeev

The article analyzes the role of Volga and Kama region towns in the development of trade relations in BulgariaVolga of the 9th – beginning of the 13th cc. The Volga-Kama Bulgar state was a vivid page in the Medieval history of the region. It played an extremely important role in culture and in the development of cultural and trade relations between East and West. The active trade carried out by Bulgar merchants was an important factor. One can say that in essence Bulgaria Volga had monopoly in the trade of the Eastern countries with Rus’ and Northern countries (Scandinavia) and peoples (Urals, Trans-Urals and Siberia). Bulgaria Volga was a major link in the trans-Eurasian trade routes, – the northern part of the Great Silk Route, the Great Volga Route, the Great Fur Route, etc. The development of trade and monetary relations in Bulgaria Volga is connected primarily with the development of crafts and townships. The article uses archeological, numismatic and written sources to show their role in both internal and foreign trade. The goods traded in the towns comprised objects of everyday use, craftwork, agricultural products, livestock and related products, and export items obtained from Bulgar, Moslem and Russian merchants.