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The capital city of Irkutsk oblast.
Irkutsk city (also spelled Irkuck) is the administrative center and capital of Irkutsk oblast of Russia situated about 5,200 km east of Moscow on Angara river. Baikal Lake is located near the city (about 70 km).
Irkutsk city population is about 579,000 (2009).
The phone code is +7-3952 and the postal codes are 664000-664xxx.
Irkutsk was founded in 1652. That time it was a small settlement playing the role of gold and fur trade center. The settlement received town status in 1686. Later, in 1760, the Siberian Road connected Irkutsk with European part of Russia. It was the reason of Irkutsk town further economic growth (Russian trade center with China).
From the beginning of 19th century Siberia region in general and Irkutsk town became the place where a lot of Russian officers and nobles were exiled for taking part in Decembrist revolt against the Tsar. One third of Irkutsk city population was from exiled men at the end of 19th century. That’s why Irkutsk city became the cultural and educational center of Siberia region.
The electricity came to Irkutsk city in 1896, first theater - in 1897 and railway station in 1898. Irkutsk city had the nickname “Siberian Paris” at the beginning of 20th century. The city was one of the centers of Bolshevik Revolution resistance during Russian Civil War. The city and surrounding territories were heavily industrialized during Soviet period of Russian history.
Irkutsk Russia city street
Irkutsk city view
Irkutsk Russia city view
There is cascade hydro power station in Irkutsk city area built in 1950-1958. The largest industrial enterprise of the city is Irkut company. The company is known for manufacturing Su-30 family of jet fighters. Irkutsk Aluminium Smelter of Rusal company is also situated in Irkutsk city of Russia.
Irkutsk city coat of arms features Siberian tiger with sable in his mouth. The origin of this emblem goes from the Siberia Khanate being the main source of sable fur in the Middle Ages. Also it should be mentioned that English word “sable” is derived from Russian word “sobol”.
Irkutsk city is an important transportation junction of the region. Trans-Siberian Railway and federal highway to Vladivostok city are going through the city. There are two airports in the city: Irkutsk International Airport and Irkutsk Northwest Airport.
Irkutsk is home city for Siberian branch of Academy of Sciences of Russia. There are nine research institutes in Academgorodok suburb of the city.
Irkutsk city architecture
Irkutsk Russia city drugstore
Irkutsk city railway station
Irkutsk city wooden houses
Irkutsk city Kolchak monument
Irkutsk city Lenin monument
Irkutsk Russia city scenery
Irkuck city cathedral
Irkutsk Russia city cathedral
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