Makhachkala city overview
Makhachkala city (also spelled Mahachkala) is the administrative center of Dagestan Republic located in the southern part of Russia on the shore of Caspian Sea.
Makhachkala city is cultural, economic and scientific center of southern Russia. In the city there is the Dagestan scientific center of Russian Academy of Science and about 20 research institutes. Makhachkala has a lot of various health resorts.
Airport “Uytash” located in the city is the main airport of Dagestan Republic. The industrial plants of Makhachkala city are specialized in wood processing, metal working, electronic, fish processing and others.
Makhachkala city population is about 621,000 (2008). Land area - 458 sq. km.
Makhachkala city phone code - +7-8722. Postal codes - 367000-367999.
Makhachkala city history
During Persian campaign of 1722 Russian tsar Peter I spent some time on Anzhi-Arka hill. Due to this fact the settlement founded on this spot in 1844 received the name Petrovskoye. The settlement received town status and new name Petrovsk-Port in 1857. In 1870 an artificial harbor and a port were constructed.
In 1894-1896 Makhachkala was connected by railway with Vladikavkaz and Baku. Freight turnover greatly increased. The first plant built in the city in 1876 was beer brewing one. In 1878 the first printing house was built. Later 2 tobacco plants were constructed.
At the end of 19th and early 20th centuries city started intense growing. A railway Rostov-on-Don - Baku was constructed and trains ran as far as Port-Petrovsk. By 1897 the population was four times more and was over 8,700.
In 1914 a small oil processing plant was constructed. The population grew and was over 24,000, the city was the first among Dagestan cities both in population and economic importance.
In 1921 the city was renamed after Dagestan revolution participant Makhach Dakhadayev (1882-1918). The new word is composed of two words “Makhach” and “kala” (“kala” means fortress). Later Makhachkala became the capital of Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.
In Soviet time the capital of Dagestan rapidly developed, from 1930s till 1980s the population turned over 10 times more, main industries were founded as well as modern system of education. Makhachkala suffered heavy earthquake on May 14th, 1970.
In 1990s the industrial output of Makhachkala city was decreasing. Early 21th century changed the structure of industry. During past 5 years the reconstruction of historical part of the city was fulfilled. Also roads to the city, main streets, alleys, boulevards and the embankment of the city, Central and University squares and a new park Ak-Gel with the children’s corner were built.
Makhachkala city places of interest
Among the most interesting places of Makhachkala is the settlement of Tarki located about 5.5 km from the city on Tarki-Tau mountain. According to the legend, in 7th-10th centuries it was a Khazar town Semender there which was the capital of Khazar kingdom till the year of 723. Then it was a village Tarki with 3 mosques, near it there was fortress Burnaya (till 1821) the remnants of which can still be seen.
Central mosque of Makhachkala. Downtown of Makhachkala one of the biggest mosques in Europe is located built like famous “Blue mosque” in Istanbul. The mosque is becoming larger every year retaining however its proportions and harmony. Originally the mosque was meant for 6,000 - 7,000 people. As it was expanded, 17,000 people can stay inside at the same time.
Another attraction of Makhachkala city is Saint Assumption cathedral founded in 1906.
