etymology of placename «ukek» in ethno historical context

This article attempts to analyse the etymology of the Volga medieval city name of Ukek, one of the largest trade and craft centers of the Jochi Ulus, from the ethnohistorical perspective. Based on a number of ethnohistorical prerequisites the author considers it possible to refer the time of the city founding to the Bulgar period in the history of the Middle Volga and in the context of this hypothesis claims that the placename itself originates from the Bulgarian language. At the same time, the article considers also the alternative points of view, both on origin and ethnolanguage accessory of placename "Ukek" and on questions of emergence of the city and its early history.