Mariupol is located in the south-east of Ukraine in the Donetsk region. The city is located on the shores of the Sea of Azov, near the mouths of the Kalchik and Kalmius rivers. Mariupol is a large seaport and a center of mechanical engineering and metallurgy in Ukraine.
The history of the emergence of Mariupol
The city was founded in 1778. Orthodox Greeks expelled from the Crimean Khanate were settled there. The county town was engaged in sea trade. During the Crimean War in 1853, Mariupol suffered significant damage. And in 1855, the Anglo-French squadron landed its troops in the city and destroyed all the warehouses in the port.
In 1882, a railway was laid to Mariupol, connecting the city with the Donbass. Donetsk coal was sent to the port. The increase in cargo turnover led to the construction of a new commercial port. At the end of the 19th century, metallurgical plants were built in the city, which produced oil pipes, steel sheets, railway rails, etc. And already at the beginning of the twentieth century, an iron foundry, 2 steam mills, a pasta factory, 6 tanneries and 27 brick-tile factories operated in Mariupol.
Further development of the city
In 1917-1920, there were fierce battles in the city, Mariupol was occupied by the Red Guards, German troops, and the White Guard. In December 1919, the port was again seized by the Bolsheviks, who created the Red Azov Naval Flotilla, which paved the way for the revival of the Black Sea Fleet.
During the Great Patriotic War, Mariupol was under German occupation for almost two years. The Nazis shot 10 thousand people in the city, about 50 thousand girls and boys were evicted to Germany. About 36 thousand prisoners of war died in concentration camps. After the end of the war, restoration work began in the city. By 1950, 48 industrial plants had reached and exceeded pre-war production levels.
Also during these years high-rise microdistricts, hospitals, new schools, dispensaries, catering establishments and shops were built. The institutions of physical education and sports continued to develop, the activities of the drama theater were restored. With the development of the economy, the number of residents of Mariupol grew, if in 1958 the population was 280, 3 thousand people, then in 1970 - already 436 thousand people. In 1948 the city was given a new name Zhdanov.
Modern period
During the years of perestroika, the city underwent tremendous political and economic changes. In 1989, the city was given back its historical name - Mariupol.
Currently, the city is one of the most important centers of mechanical engineering and metallurgy in Ukraine. Mariupol is the largest commercial port and a source of foreign exchange earnings for the state budgetary treasury. The city is also considered the center of Greek culture in Ukraine.
