# Crimean Tatars burn Moscow (1571)

URL: https://history-russia.com/timeline/1571-crimean-tatars-burn-moscow
Categories: battle

In May 1571 the Crimean khan Devlet I Giray bypassed Russian defences and set Moscow's suburbs on fire; the blaze consumed almost the entire city except the Kremlin. Tens of thousands died. The khan demanded the return of Kazan and Astrakhan. The disaster contributed to the end of the Oprichnina.

## Why it matters
The disaster contributed to the end of the Oprichnina.

Ruler at the time: [Ivan IV](https://history-russia.com/rulers/ivan-iv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Fire of Moscow (1571)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_of_Moscow_(1571))
- [Wikipedia — Devlet I Giray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devlet_I_Giray)
- [Wikipedia — Tsardom of Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsardom_of_Russia)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Crimean Tatars burn Moscow](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Crimean+Tatars+burn+Moscow)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of Russian history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Russian_history)