Astrakhan is the oldest city in the Lower Volga area, and is one of 115 Russian cities recognised as being of historic value. The city is the capital of the Astrakhan Region.
Astrakhan was first mentioned by historians, academics, and travelers in the 13th century. The old city was incorporated into the Golden Horde. It was situated 12 km further upstream on the right bank of the Volga than present day Astrakhan. The birth of Astrakhan is associated with Ivan the Terrible, who ordered the construction of a fortress at the mouth of the Volga in order to strengthen Russia's southern border. Astrakhan's first Governor, Ivan Cheremisinov, founded a wooden fortress at Zayachiy (or Dolgiy) Hillock on the left bank of the Volga in 1558.
Like many cities in Old Russia, Astrakhan comprised three parts - the Kremlin, the White City, and the Earthen city. Astrakhan's centre, the White City, was built according to the local terrain. The internal layout was defined by the city's defences. The years 1744-1764 saw the construction of a canal, on Peter the Great's orders, which divided the city entirely from the west to the east, and connected the Volga River with the Kutum River.