Kerch Ukraine city

Content:

overview
history
economy

Kerch Ukraine city overview

Kerch Ukraine city coat of arms

Kerch Ukraine city flag

Kerch is a city of eastern part of Crimean peninsula. Kerch has a Hero-city status. Kerch is one of the most ancient cities in the world. There are plenty of various historical and architectural monuments and memorials of different historical periods and cultures on Kerch city of Ukraine territory.

Kerch Ukraine city Crimea map location

Kerch Ukraine city population - 152,000 (2006).
Kerch Ukraine city land area - 108 sq. km.
Kerch Ukraine city phone code - +380-6561.
Kerch Ukraine city postal codes - 98300-98399.

Kerch Ukraine city views

Kerch Ukraine city history

Kerch city history began about 2600 years ago when ancient Greeks settlers founded several independent city-states on the shores of Crimean peninsula. One of them was city Pantikapeya (later Kerch city). Due to favorable geographical position of Pantikapeya city various trade routes from Europe, Asia and China were crossing there. Later the Kerch city was under Roman Empire control.

Kerch Ukraine city ancient ruins

From the 6th century AD Kerch city was under Byzantine Empire control. Bospor citadel was built in Kerch city. In the 7th century the Turkic Khazars took control of Bospor, and the city was named Karcha or Charsha. Christianity was a major religion in Kerch during the period of Khazar rule. Kerch's Church of St. John the Baptist was founded in 717, thus, it is the oldest church in Ukraine.

Kerch Ukraine city ancient ruins

From the 10th century Kerch city was a Slavic settlement named Korchev, which belonged to the Tmutarakan principality. Korchev was a center of trade between Russia, Crimea and Caucasus. In the 13th century Crimea including Korchev was invaded by Mongols. After Mongols, Kerch city became the Genoese colony of Cerco (Cherkio) in 1318 and served as a sea harbor.

Kerch Ukraine city ancient ruins

In 1475 Kerch city was passed to the Ottoman Empire. During the Turkish rule Kerch fell into decay and served as a slave-market. Kerch city repeatedly suffered from raids of Zaporozhian Cossacks. In 1771 Russian Army invaded Crimea and in 1774, Kerch became Russian city.

Kerch Ukraine city streets

In the late 19th century, mechanical and cement factories were built, and tinned food and tobacco factories were established. By 1900, Kerch city was connected to a railroad system. At that time the population of Kerch had reached 33,000. Kerch city was heavy damaged during World War II.

Kerch Ukraine city sceneries

Kerch Ukraine city economy

In the second half of 20th century Kerch city became large shipbuilding and metal casting center. Fishery plays an important role in Kerch city economy. Kerch is located on the shores of Azov and Black seas. But despite the seaside location, the Kerch tourism today is limited because of the industrial character of the Kerch city and associated pollution.

Kerch Ukraine city port

Kerch Ukraine city sea views

Despite the lack of beaches in Kerch city area, there are a lot of them at distance of 20 minute travel by bus, train or taxi. Kerch city has plenty of impressive architectural and historical monuments. Ancient historical heritage of Kerch city makes it attractive for scientific tourism.

Kerch Ukraine city view

Kerch Ukraine city ancient ruins

Kerch Ukraine city ancient church

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