The capital city of West Kazakhstan oblast.
Uralsk (also spelled Oral) is a city and administrative center of West Kazakhstan oblast of western Kazakhstan located along Ural River.
Uralsk has the population of about 211,000 (2009).
The phone code is +7 71122; postal codes - 090000-090013.
The climate of Uralsk area is of sharp continental type, with hot dry summers and snowy cold winters.
There are regular trains available to new and old capitals of Kazakhstan - the cities of Almaty and Astana, the capitals of Russia - Moscow and of Ukraine - Kiev.
The airport Akzhol is located 16 km from Uralsk city. It is an international one after the reconstruction of 1990s. Beside the inner flights there are flights to Moscow and Amsterdam available.
Uralsk city architecture view
Uralsk city architecture
Uralsk city modern architecture
Yaitsky settlement was founded in 1584 (1613 is the official date of the city foundation). It was founded on the peninsula between rivers Yaik (Ural) and Chagan. In 1591 Cossacks living in the region became the citizens of Russian state, but till Peter I ruling they were absolutely self-governing.
In 1773-1775 Yaitsky Cossacks became a main body of People’s War headed by Yemelyan Pugachov. After defeat of the revolt in 1775 Catherine II ordered to rename the town from Yaitsky into Uralsk.
Beside Cossacks a lot of Tatars lived in the city. Tatars joined the army, a lot of them were officers. But trade was their main occupation, Tatars were a kind of connecting link between Russia and nomad clans of Kazakhs. First newspapers in Kazakh language were published at Tatar publishing houses in Uralsk.
By 1846 Uralsk became a large trade center. In 1894 a railway was constructed till Uralsk, it was named Ryazansko-Uralskaya and it promoted further development of the city.
During Civil war Uralsk was in the center of severe fights, for a long time it was besieged by the White Ural army which consisted of Ural Cossacks who rejected the Soviet power. Future commander-in-chief of the Soviet Union G.K.Zhukov was among the Red army troops fighting for the city.
During World War II Uralsk was in the front-line area and a point of anti aircraft defense of USSR. 14 plants working for the front were evacuated to the city as well as 20 hospitals.
Uralsk city street view
Uralsk city administration building
Uralsk city, Kazakhstan airport
The industry in Uralsk is presented by power engineering, machine-building, food and flour-grinding, light and construction industries.
Machine-building industry began developing in the city after a number of plants were evacuated there from Leningrad. As a result a plant was organized which changed its digital name into the name Voroshilov (“Zenit” nowadays). Among the main products are military ships and cutter production.
In the development of Uralsk city industry Karachaganak oil and gas condensate deposit is of great importance. It is located 150 km from Uralsk on the territory of Burlinsky district. This is not only one of the most important natural gas object of Kazakhstan but also a large liquid hydro-carbon deposit.
Uralsk city World War II memorial
Uralsk city Afghanistan war memorial
Uralsk city, Kazakhstan monument
The center of Uralsk almost preserved its historical outlook. The oldest building in the city - Mikhailo-Archangelsky church built in 1740s is a witness of all the historical events happened in the town. Not far from the church there is Pugachov museum.
Another preserved church located in the center of Uralsk is the Church of Christ the Savior. It was built in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of Ural Cossack army serving Moscow Tsar, this date was celebrated in 1891. Unfortunately most part of other churches of Uralsk were exploded and destroyed in the 30s of 20th century.
One of the oldest and respected buildings in Uralsk - the residence of the ataman (Cossack chieftain) built in 1825. Its facade is decorated my memorial boards saying that it is the house where Pushkin, Zhukovsky, Dal’, Tolstoy stayed when they visited Uralsk.
Uralsk regional historical museum is located in the building of Russian-Kirghiz (before Revolution Kazakhs were called Kirghiz in official documents) school built in 1880s.
One of the most famous buildings in Uralsk is merchant A.T.Karev’s house built at the edge of 19-20 centuries, for a long time it has been the largest building in the city.
According to the legend, Karev quarreled with his friend merchant Ovchinnikov who was fond of having tea on the balcony of his house at sunrise. Karev promised to Ovchinnikov that he would never enjoy the sunrise again. And in fact the house built on the opposite side of the street covered the east side for Ovchinnikov’s house which is also preserved.
Another preserved historical place in Uralsk - the city recreation park, the oldest in Kazakhstan, it was founded in 1840.
Uralsk city night club
Uralsk city central square
Uralsk city Ye.Pugachov museum
Uralsk city church
Uralsk city church view
Uralsk city, Kazakhstan mosque
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