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Their ancestors were pre-Turkic Finno-Ugric tribes who lived on the territory of Tatarstan territory and were assimilated by Volga Bolgars/ Tatars between the 8th and 15th centuries. Living around Tatars, they started speaking the Tatar language. Neighbouring Mordvins in the Tätes District speak a Finno-Ugric language).

Qaratays were converted to christianity between the 16th and 18th, but pre-Christian elements were preserved until the 20th century.

Quratays have a local saint, Michail the Killed (Ubienny in Russian), who was killed by Qaratays 300 years ego. His house is now regarded as a sacred place.