Safa Giray of Kazan

Who was Safa Giray of Kazan?

Safa Giray was khan of Kazan Khanate between the years 1524-1531, 1535–1546 and 1546-1549. He was the son of Sahib Giray from the Crimean Khanate, brother of Moxammat Giray.

Bulat Shirin's group of Qarachi wanted to replace pro-Muscovy Shahghali khan, who being 19 years old, was growing harder to manipulate. Thus, Safa Giray coming from generally anti-Muscovy Crimean Khanate became khan of Kazan at just 14 years of age. In 1531 he was ousted from Kazan throne by Vasili III of Russia and replaced by Cangali khan, another young boy. In 1535, Safa Giray regained the throne with help of Sahib Giray. He also inherited Söyenbikä, wife of Cangali. After returning to power, Safa Giray organized raids on Muscovy in 1536-37, 1541–42, and 1548. He briefly lost the throne in 1546 after another coup by Kazan Qarachi. Later he tried to forcibly gain the throne of Crimean Khanate and Nogai Horde.