The city of Crimea republic.
Kerch is a city located in the eastern part of the Crimean peninsula (Crimea Republic). It is one of the oldest 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.
Since 2014, Kerch is controlled by Russia.
The population of Kerch is about 154,000 (2021), the area - 109 sq. km.
The current status of Kerch is disputed between Ukraine and Russia. De facto, it is controlled by Russia as the entire Crimea.
On March 16, 2014, a referendum was held and the results showed that the majority of Crimeans voted for independence of Crimea and joining Russia. However, the legitimacy of the referendum is questionable.
It was not recognized internationally. This event is widely regarded as the annexation of Crimea by Russia. Ukraine considers Crimea as its territory temporarily occupied by Russia.
Its history began about 2,600 years ago when ancient Greeks settlers founded several independent city-states on the shores of the Crimean peninsula. One of them was Pantikapeya town.
Due to favorable geographical position of Pantikapeya, numerous trade routes from Europe, Asia and China crossed there. Later, the town was under the Roman Empire control.
From the 6th century AD, it was under the Byzantine Empire control. Bospor citadel was built. In the 7th century, Turkic Khazars took control of Bospor, and the town was named Karcha or Charsha.
Christianity was the main religion in the town during the period of Khazar rule. The church of St. John the Baptist was founded in 717.
From the 10th century, it was a Slavic settlement named Korchev, which belonged to the Tmutarakan principality. Korchev was the center of trade between Russia, the Crimea and the Caucasus.
In the 13th century, the Crimea was invaded by Mongols. After Mongols, in 1318, Kerch became a Genoese colony of Cerco (Cherkio) and served as a sea harbor.
In 1475, the town passed to the Ottoman Empire. During Turkish rule, the town fell into decay and served as a slave-market. It repeatedly suffered from raids of Zaporozhian Cossacks. In 1771, the Russian army invaded the Crimea and, in 1774, Kerch became the town of the Russian Empire.
In the late 19th century, mechanical and cement factories were built, and tinned food and tobacco factories were established. By 1900, it was connected to a railroad system. At that time, the population of the city reached 33,000.
Kerch was damaged heavily during the Second World War.
Kerch city street
Kerch street
Kerch street view
In the second half of the 20th century, the city became a large shipbuilding and metal casting center. Today, fishery plays an important role in local economy.
Kerch is standing on the shores of the Azov and the Black Seas. But, despite the seaside location, tourism is limited because of the industrial character of the city and associated pollution.
Despite the lack of beaches in the city area, there are a lot of them at a distance of 20 minute travel by a bus, train or taxi.
The city has plenty of impressive architectural and historical monuments. Ancient historical heritage of the city makes it attractive for scientific tourism.
The most famous places of interest are as follows:
The Glory obelisk on Mitridat mountain was opened on August 8, 1944. It was the first monument to the World War II events on the territory of the USSR.
It is worth mentioning that stone of St.Trinity church - the main church in Kerch - was used for construction of the monument. The church survived the war and occupation but, in 1944, after the town was set free, it was destroyed by the Soviet regime.
The main square in the city (Lenin Square) was built in the 30s of the 19th century on the place of destroyed Turkish fortress.
Ancient Pantikapeya ruins
In the center of Kerch
Kerch railway station
Kerch city church
Kerch church
St. John the Baptist church
Kerch city scenery
Kerch scenery
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