The book, prepared on the basis of extensive archaeological material, highlights the ethnocultural history of Volga Bulgaria during its formation. The author shows how, as a result of complex interaction in the VIII - beginning of the X century. the formation of a bright and original pagan culture of a new ethnic group - the Volga Bulgarians. New data are provided on the time of the adoption of Muslims by the Bulgarians, the emergence of permanent settlements and cities, the formation of the first state in the Middle Volga region. For archaeologists, historians, ethnographers, art historians.