History of Voronezh
© 2001 -
Voronezh is an ancient city dating from 1586 when a fortress was built as part of the Belgorod Line, a series of defences on the southern edge of the Russian State designed to repel Tartar invasions.
The city lies on the Voronezh River, both east and west banks, which flows into the nearby Don which in turn leads to the Black Sea, and it was its favourable geographical position that led to the growth of the city as an important trading route. The city really took off under the reign of Peter the Great who, following defeat at the hands of the Turks at Azov, decreed that Russia must have a navy, and that these ships should be built in Voronezh. It was an ideal position because of the River Don and the abudance of wood and iron ore available in the local area So in 1695 Peter the Great decreed that Voronezh should be the centre of the shipbuilding industry in Russia... despite being nowhere near any sea!! Craftsman from around Europe were brought to Voronezh, and just one year later Peter sailed at the head of his new fleet, in his flagship Principium, and captured Azov. Actually there is a legend that Peter, concerned about the less than enthusiastic take up of his offer of work for foreign shipbuilders, ordered that the most beautiful women from all over the country be brought to Voronezh to encourage this migration... which it did!!!
The region prospered as the navy grew and supporting industries were established. The city took on a cosmopolitan air as the influence of the influx of foreign craftsman was felt. Styles of dress and architecture changed to make Voronezh far from an average Russian city. Unfortunately these buildings were mostly destroyed in a great fire that swept through the city in 1748.
Voronezh lies in the Black Earth region (the soil really is black) and is known as Russias breadbasket, as Voronezh grew, so did its agricultural industry to become a crucial element of the economy.
Voronezh was the scene of fierce fighting during the Russian civil war of 1917-
Voronezh played a pivotal role in the Second World War, or Great Patriotic War as it is known in Russia. The Nazis eastward advance into Russia was halted here, the Germans occupied the West bank of the river, but could not cross to the East, after the seige of Voronezh the Nazis only ever went westwards. The surrounding Black Earth region saw decisive battles that turned the tide of the war, including the largest tank battle in history near Kursk. Voronezh was almost completely destroyed, 92% of the city was in ruins, what was left had been turned into a huge minefield, 58,000 were found following the liberation (only Stalingrad and Sevastopol had more).
After the war the city was rebuilt (by a lot of Nazi POWs actually), ancient buildings recreated, but the rivalry between Moscow and Voronezh manifested itself in the disgraceful decision not to recognise the sacrifice of Voronezh as Stalin refused to grant ‘Hero City’ status, something Moscow has even though no fighting actually took place there.
Today, Voronezh industry is involved in the production of rocket engines for the Russian space programme and the aircraft factory still produces passenger jets, recently having the honour of refurbishing the Presidential plane. These last few years has seen Voronezh grow significantly as the Russian economy has taken off, new apartment buildings are springing up everywhere, and with only the most fledgling mortgage market cash is still king when buying a flat. Shopping centers are being built all over the place, afterall where else are all the mobile phone, shoe and electrical goods stores going to be housed ?, you wouldn’t believe the number of these type of shops here !!. The city is atempting to drag itself into the 21st century, its just a shame that a Russian can’t build a bloody road !!!!!!! Driving in this city should only be undertaken in the most rugged of SUV vehicle or else your car will need new shock absorbers and exhaust each year !!!!
