Bryansk city overview
Bryansk city (other spelling Briansk) is a capital and administrative center of Bryansk oblast of Russia situated on the banks of Desna river about 380 km west of Moscow.
Bryansk city is a large industrial center (machine building and metal-working). Bryansk is an important railway junction (Moscow, Kiev, Smolensk, Oryol, Vyazma lines). Oil pipeline “Druzhba” is going through the city. There is also an international airport in Bryansk city of Russia.
The population of Bryansk city is 414,000 (2008). The land area of the city is 186 sq. km.
Bryansk city phone code - +7-4832. Postal codes - 241000-241xxx.
Bryansk city history
Bryansk was first time mentioned in 1146. That time the settlement had name Debryansk. The origin of name is from Slavic language word “debri” meaning “dense woodland” (the territories of modern Bryansk city were known for their woods).
There are also some facts proving that Debryansk fortified settlement was founded on the bank of Desna river in 985 or even earlier. Bryansk town lands were conquered by Moscow state in 1503 after Vedrosha Battle.
Bryansk town became a fortress that played significant role when Russian Time of Troubles came. In the 17-18th centuries Bryansk town was known for having largest fair in western part of Russia (Svenskaya fair) which was the center of regional trade.
Bryansk town economy became much more industrialized (metallurgy, textiles) in 1783 (various cannons and ammunition factories for Russian Navy). The population of Bryansk town was about 30,000 in 1917.
German armies conquered Bryansk city in October 1941. The city was returned by USSR forces in September 1943. Bryansk city structures were heavily damaged by numerous fights. Bryansk city and surrounding lands were known for a lot of Soviet partisans (about 60,000) fighting against German army. In 1944 the city became Bryansk oblast administrative center.
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