The variety of cities on the Crimean peninsula is impressive. Simferopol, Sevastopol, Dzhankoy, Evpatoria and, of course, Kerch. This city is located on the shores of the Kerch Strait and is a kind of gate connecting the Crimea with the Krasnodar Territory. It turns out, as it were, a transition: the city of Kerch - mainland Russia. Although this port city is a little smaller than the same Sevastopol (which, by the way, is a strategic port), it is even more important for the entire peninsula.
History of an extraordinary city
Kerch appeared about seven thousand years ago, but it can boast of the status of a city for more than two and a half thousand years. For this reason, the settlement is included in the list of the most ancient settlements in the world, along with Rome and Athens.
There were wars and various famous battles on the territory of Kerch. This city was considered a tasty morsel for the conquerors. For example, Byzantinethe rulers tried to appropriate this territory for themselves, and even gave their name - the Bosporus. Nevertheless, the Slavs conquered the city for themselves and gave it the name Korchev. But after that there was a battle with the Khazars, and they, in turn, renamed the settlement Cherkio. Then the city passed into the possession of Turkey and became known as Karsha. Only after the Russian-Turkish war, after returning to the objects of the Russian Empire, the settlement acquired its current name - Kerch.
The city also took part in the Great Patriotic War. It was something like an arena for the struggle of Russian and German troops. More than 85% of the buildings were destroyed, the population of Kerch lost fifteen thousand people. Taking into account these events, in 1973, finally, Kerch was awarded the title of a hero city.
Location of Kerch
The city spreads out on the shores of the Kerch Strait. On the territory of the settlement, in its very center, the majestic Mount Mithridates rises. Kerch is a unique city, if only because the easternmost point of Crimea, Cape Lantern, is located in this settlement.
The total area of Kerch is 108 square kilometers. An impressive number of various small streams, mud volcanoes and s alt lakes have long been discovered on the territory of the city.
The weather in Kerch is usually stable, without sudden changes. The climate is temperate continental. According to statistics, winters are usually relatively warm, but summers are more often very hot, even sultry. So for people who love the heat, the weather is inKerch will definitely be to your taste.
The steppe type of vegetation prevails on the territory of the city, sometimes interspersed with meadow. The ecology of Kerch is greatly supported by the creation of large parks and quiet squares. They own about 28% of the entire settlement. The streets of Kerch, where summer cottages are located, delight in the spring with the flowering of such beautiful plants as pomegranate, quince, figs and grapes.
Population and national composition
Thanks to such a rich historical heritage, the settlement is very multinational. According to general information, about 80 most diverse nationalities coexist on the territory of Kerch. Among them:
- Russians – 78%;
- Ukrainians – 15%;
- Tatars – 2%;
- Armenians and other nationalities.
The population of Kerch at the time of 2016 amounted to almost 149 thousand people. If we bring the statistics from 1979 to the present, it will be seen that the number of citizens living is relatively stable from year to year.
Citizens of working age make up approximately 40% of the total number of people. The unemployment rate does not exceed 1.5 percent. This suggests that the population of Kerch is almost completely employed. A significant place in this issue is occupied by the tourism business: if in winter there is somewhat less work, then in summer the need to attract additional labor increases.
If you pay attention to the employment center, Kerch now mainly offers vacancies for the construction of the bridgeacross the strait. This is not surprising, because the laying of communications requires a large amount of labor. But after the construction of the bridge is completed, it is possible that the employment center (Kerch can really expect such a course of events) will turn out to be a completely superfluous institution, because there will be a minimum of open vacancies.
Economy of Kerch
In the field of industry, the city has flourished since the 1960s. Shipbuilding and metallurgical plants in those days became the city-forming enterprises.
In addition, there is a garment factory in Kerch that makes children's clothes. The factory has its own online store that distributes products in the CIS countries. There are also other industrial enterprises on the territory of the settlement.
Fishing has long occupied a significant place in the life and activity of the city. At enterprises related to fisheries, the population of Kerch still occupies almost all jobs.
Scientific and educational institutions
Like any other city, Kerch has a large number of schools on its territory, there are 28 of them in the village. This is quite commensurate with the area and population. In addition to them, there are 6 vocational schools. There is also a medical school where anyone can get an education in the profession of a nurse or paramedic.
The administration of Kerch takes care of its citizens, so there are quitemany good kindergartens. All of them are renovated in accordance with the norms and current legislation.
From secondary specialized educational institutions, one can also single out the ship-mechanical and polytechnic technical schools. But still, there are much more higher educational institutions in Kerch. The main one is KSMTU - Kerch State Marine Technological University. Previously, it was called KMTI. The remaining eight institutions of higher education are branches or departments of other universities located in Russia, Ukraine and Crimea.
City attractions
Kerch has the opportunity to provide tourists with a wide variety of recreation: both active and relaxing. Those who wish to admire the cultural heritage of the city can enjoy the sights of the ancient era. A large number of excavations of ancient cities that were previously located on the site of Kerch can impress the most inveterate tourist. Many different things of ancient eras found on the territory of the city are stored in the archaeological museum, their number is about 130 thousand samples. There you can see the famous pantry of gold, which once belonged to the Bosporan kingdom.
In addition, the village boasts Christian churches. The very first of them - the Church of John the Baptist - has long been a very popular place among tourists. This attraction is recognized as a well-known monument of architecture.
Not all places that can be visited are listed. A more detailed list is inopen access.
Reviews of tourists about the city
A huge number of tourists visit Kerch every year. According to their reviews, one can judge how people relate to the appearance of this city and its population.
Many who have visited Kerch note the cleanliness of the city. Also, those who have been there during the Soviet era speak warmly about the industry of the city and are incredibly happy about the restoration of some factories.
You can also find a lot of nice words about the inhabitants of the city. People pay attention to the hospitality and friendliness of the locals. The local cuisine and all kinds of drinks also won the hearts of a large number of tourists.
In conclusion
The city of Kerch is an important strategic object of the Republic of Crimea. But this is far from the only advantage of the settlement. Being the owner of a powerful industrial (and not only) production, the city is a value for any state. In addition, the cultural heritage of Kerch is delightful. This city can be safely called one of the most significant objects not only of the Republic of Crimea, but also of the Russian Federation.
