Kerch Ukraine city

Content:

overview
history
economy
main attractions

Kerch Ukraine city overview

Kerch city coat of arms

Kerch city flag

Kerch city Crimea map location

Kerch Ukraine city Crimea map location picture

Kerch is a city of eastern part of Crimean peninsula. Kerch has a Hero-city status. It 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 the territory of Kerch city.

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 city streets views

Kerch Ukraine city streets views 1st photo

Kerch Ukraine city streets views 2nd photo

Kerch Ukraine city streets views 3rd photo

Kerch Ukraine city history

Kerch 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 various trade routes from Europe, Asia and China were crossing there. Later Kerch was under Roman Empire control.

From the 6th century AD Kerch was under Byzantine Empire control. Bospor citadel was built in Kerch town. In the 7th century Turkic Khazars took control of Bospor, and the town was named Karcha or Charsha. Christianity was 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.

Ancient Greeks city Pantikapeya remains

Kerch city central part

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

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

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 reached 33,000. Kerch city was heavy damaged during World War II.

Kerch 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, Kerch tourism is limited today because of the industrial character of the city and associated pollution.

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 has plenty of impressive architectural and historical monuments. Ancient historical heritage of Kerch makes it attractive for scientific tourism.