Friday, December 12, 2008

Kiev (Kyiv) City - Capital City Of Ukraine.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city coat of arms

Kiev Ukraine coat of arms picture

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city flag

Kiev Ukraine flag picture

Kiev (Kyiv) city is the capital of Ukraine and capital of Kiev oblast (province) . Kiev is advantageously situated in the heart of Europe. The city is located along the Dnepr River just below its confluence with the Desna River and 591 miles (952 km) from its mouth in the Black Sea.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city map location

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city map location picture

The average temperature in January are -6.1 degrees, and +19.2 degrees in July. Kiev has a wealth of greenery.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city beautiful view

Kiev Ukraine pictures - green city 1st picture

Situated within Kiev city limits are:

- territorial regions of the nature preserve fund, in part, the Botanical Gardens named after Academician O.V.Fomin, the Central Botanical Gardens of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the Syretsky Dendrological Park, a Zoo and 9 parks, monuments of landscape architecture;

- natural and man made forest parks and parks, in part, Pushcha-Vodytsya, Koncha-Zaspa, Svyatoshynsky Park, the Holosiyivsky National Preserve, Central Park (uniting 5 parks situated along the Dnepr river) and others.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city architecture

Kiev Ukraine pictures - green city 2nd picture

The area of the green zone is 43,600 hectares making up 168 sq.m per one resident. As the capital of Ukraine, Kiev has major administrative functions, and its ministries employ a considerable number of workers. Kiev is also an important industrial centre, producing a wide range of goods.

Kiev is served by a good transportation network. Trunk railways and all-weather roads link Kiev to Moscow, Kharkiv and the Donets Basin, southern and western Ukraine, and Poland. Within Kiev city itself there is efficient subway, rail, and bus service.

The Dnepr River is navigable about nine months of the year, and Kiev's Boryspil airport operates flights to other Ukrainian cities and to cities in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city bridge

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Dnepr bridge and modern architecture view

Kiev city population - 2,680,000 (2007).
Kiev city land area - 840 sq. km.
Kiev city phone code - +380-44.
Kiev city postal codes - 01xxx-06xxx.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city history

Kiev was founded in the 8th century. By the late 9th century Kiev princes had established their suzerainty over several other East Slavic principalities and had founded the important state called Kiev an Rus. Throughout the history of Kiev an Rus, the city was engaged in ceaseless warfare against the Khazars, Pechenegs, and other nomadic peoples of the steppes.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city cathedral

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev cathedrals 1st picture

In the late 12th century Kiev power declined in the face of constant nomad attacks and warfare with other Slavic princes. In 1240 Kiev city was completely destroyed by the Tatars of the Golden Horde under Batu, the grandson of Genghis Khan. Thereafter Kiev passed to the control of Lithuania, of Poland, and then of the Cossacks.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city World War II memorial

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev World War II monument

In 1793 Kiev city was incorporated into Russia, and in 1917 the Ukrainian S.S.R. was formed, with Kiev becoming its capital in 1934. Large sections of the Kiev's central area were destroyed during World War II, but after the war Kiev city was repopulated and fully restored, regaining its position as a major industrial and cultural centre of Ukraine. Kiev remained the capital of Ukraine when the latter became independent in 1991.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city at night time

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev cathedrals 2nd picture

Kiev city originally occupied the high and steep right (west) bank of the Dnepr River, but since World War II rapid growth has extended Kiev onto the wide, low, flat floodplain on the left bank.

Kiev (Kyiv) city Ukraine economy

Kiev city industry is the concentration of over 350 large industrial enterprises mainly in machine-building, food processing and consumer goods industry. Kiev has also a powerful building (construction) industry. Engineering industries - including the manufacturing of complex machinery, precision tools, and instruments - are of primary importance. The chemical, consumer-goods, food-processing, lumber-milling, and publishing industries are also significant.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city streets at night view

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev in the evening

Kiev oblast (province) industry: food processing, metal-working and machine-building, chemical and petrochemical enterprises. Major national producers of tires, paper and cardboard, cranes and other building machinery.

Kiev oblast (province) agriculture: grains, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, potatoes, vegetables; cattle and poultry farming.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city central square

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev central part

Kiev (Kyiv) city Ukraine education

The most important centre for research and education in Ukraine, Kiev is the home of a number of universities, colleges, and research institutions, notably the Kiev State University of T.G.Shevchenko (1834) and the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

Kiev (Kyiv) city Ukraine main attractions

The focus of the contemporary Kiev remains its ancient Upper Town, crowning the high bluff above the Dnepr River. Its central area, although for the most part of postwar construction, contains most of Kiev's surviving historical and architectural monuments.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city central part

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev central part 2nd picture

The 11th-century Cathedral of St. Sophia, one of the most beautiful examples of Russo-Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture, and the striking 18th-century Baroque Church of St. Andrew are both now state museums. Other surviving relics include the ruins of the 11th-century Golden Gate, the 18th-century Zaborovskyy Gate, and the 19th-century five-domed Desyatynna Church, built on the site of a church founded by St. Vladimir in the 10th century.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city cathedral

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev cathedrals 3rd picture

The axis of the centre of Kiev is the tree-lined Kreshchatyk, the main shopping street. Many of the Kiev's museums and theatres are located within and adjacent to the former Old Town. Russian and Ukrainian drama can be seen at the Shevchenko Theatre of Opera and Ballet, the 12,000-seat Palace of Sport, and open-air theatres. Musical concerts are given regularly at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city cathedral close view

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev cathedrals 4th picture

To the north of the Old Town is the former Jewish and trading quarter, Podil, containing the river port, and to the Old Town's south and along the top of the riverbank is the Percherskiy district. This area contains many administrative buildings. At the southern end of the district is the 11th-century Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra (Monastery of the Caves) , where the monk Nestor wrote the earliest surviving Russian chronicle.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city cathedral inside

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev cathedrals 5th picture

Beneath the monastery, a system of catacombs stores the mummified bodies of monks and saints, including that of Nestor. Surrounding these central districts and extending to the west bank of the Dnepr River are suburbs of factories and residential neighborhoods.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city cathedral view

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev cathedrals 6th picture

In the downtown of Kiev there is a picturesque mountain skiing hill with 2 elevators. The hill works from November till April. You can always spend your spare time here. The upper part of the hill is very steep, but the lower part is sloping - the skier of any class will find what to do there. Even if you never tried mountain skiing, but you want to have the additional fun while being in Kiev, the professional English-speaking coaches will teach you for a couple of lessons. Besides it will cost you much cheaper than on any ski resort of the world.

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city beautiful view

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev cathedrals 7th picture

You are not supposed to have your own skiing equipment, you can have all the set for hire (the skis of Salomon, Head, etc.) Also you can try yourself in snowboard (also with a professional coach).

Kiev (Kyiv) Ukraine city architecture

Kiev Ukraine pictures - Kiev cathedrals 8th picture

Having a little break you can spend time in a small restaurants were you could find the dishes of traditional Ukrainian cuisine and hot coffee. Or you can sit on the open place watching the "shashlik" being fried for you.

Donetsk City - Capital City of My Region

Donetsk Ukraine city coat of arms


Donetsk Ukraine city coat of arms picture

Donetsk Ukraine city flag

Donetsk Ukraine city flag picture

Donetsk, former (until 1924) Yuzovka, or (1924-1961) Stalino is a city and administrative center of Donetsk region (oblast), southeastern Ukraine, on the headwaters of the Kalmius River. Donetsk city is a large railway and highway junction. Donetsk city has an airport too.

Donetsk Ukraine city map location

Donetsk Ukraine city map location picture

Donetsk Ukraine city population - 988,000 (2008).
Donetsk Ukraine city land area - 996 sq. km.
Donetsk Ukraine city phone code - +380-62.
Donetsk Ukraine city postal codes - 83000-83497.

Donetsk Ukraine city views

Donetsk Ukraine city views 1st photo

Donetsk Ukraine city views 2nd photo

Donetsk Ukraine city views 3rd photo

Donetsk Ukraine city history

In 1869 an ironworks was founded there by a Welshman, John Hughes (from whom the town's pre-revolutionary name Yuzovka was derived), to produce iron rails for the growing Russian rail network. Later steel rails were made in Donetsk city. The plant used coal from the immediate vicinity, and both coal mining and steel making developed rapidly in Donetsk city.

Donetsk Ukraine city churches

Donetsk Ukraine city churches 1st photo

Donetsk Ukraine city church 2nd photo

Donetsk Ukraine city monastery

Donetsk Ukraine city monastery photo

By 1914 there were 4 metallurgical plants, 10 coal-pits, and a population of about 50 000. After the October Revolution (1917), Yuzovka was renamed Stalino and, in 1961, Donetsk. Heavy destruction in World War II led to postwar modernization and an increase in the scale of industry. Subsequent growth of Donetsk city was rapid and sustained.

Donetsk Ukraine city mosque

Donetsk Ukraine city mosque photo

Donetsk Ukraine city World War II memorial

Donetsk Ukraine city World War II memorial photo

Donetsk Ukraine city economy

There are now more than 40 coal-pits within Donetsk city limits. A major integrated coking, iron-smelting, and steel-making plant makes modern Donetsk city one of the largest metallurgical centers in Ukraine.

Donetsk Ukraine city architecture

Donetsk Ukraine city architecture 1st photo

Donetsk Ukraine city architecture 2nd photo

Donetsk Ukraine city architecture 3rd photo

Coke by-products are the basis of a chemical industry producing plastics. There are several heavy-engineering works in Donetsk city, which produce, in the main, mining equipment. Refrigerators are manufactured in Donetsk city, and there are other light industries.

Donetsk Ukraine city bridge

Donetsk Ukraine city bridge photo

Donetsk Ukraine city views

Donetsk Ukraine city views 1st photo

Donetsk Ukraine city views 2nd photo

The necessity of avoiding areas subject to subsidence caused by mining has led to a patchy development of the densely built-up residential and factory areas and open spaces over the extensive area of the Donetsk city administrative limits.

Donetsk Ukraine city Victoria hotel

Donetsk Ukraine city Victoria hotel photo

Donetsk Ukraine city Victoria Pushkin boulevard

Donetsk Ukraine city Pushkin boulevard photo

Donetsk Ukraine city main attractions

The principal street, from the railway station to the steelworks, is main Donetsk city attraction. It is 5.5 miles (9km) long, with the main shops, hotels, and administrative buildings.

Donetsk Ukraine city long street

Donetsk Ukraine city long street photo

Donetsk Ukraine city Tsar cannon

Donetsk Ukraine city Tsar cannon photo

Donetsk Ukraine city Football (Soccer) Club "Shakhtar" stadium

Donetsk Ukraine city Football (Soccer) Club 'Shakhtar' stadium photo

There are a university, polytechnic, medical and trade institutes in Donetsk city of Ukraine, and more than 30 scientific research establishments, including a branch of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Cultural amenities of Donetsk city include several theaters and a philharmonic hall.

Donetsk Ukraine city theater building

Donetsk Ukraine city theater building photo

Donetsk Ukraine city fountain

Donetsk Ukraine city fountain photo

Thursday, November 20, 2008

My City - Makeevka, Ukraine

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city coat of arms

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city coat of arms picture

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city flag

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city flag picture

Makeevka (Russian spelling) or Makiivka (Ukrainian spelling) is a city (from 1925) of Donetsk oblast (region) of Ukraine. Makeevka city is located about 13 km from Donetsk city. Makeevka city plays the role of Donetsk city satellite town.

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city map location

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city map location picture

The address system of Makeevka city is the most complicated in Ukraine. For example there are 157 streets of identical names in various parts of the city, 65 streets repeating 3 times, 12 streets repeating 4 times, 8 streets repeating 5 times and even streets repeating 6 times (Oktyabrskaya Str.) and 1 street repeating 8 times (Stepnaya Str.). There are also duplicate houses numbers on same streets, various combinations of same addresses and chaotic houses numeration in Makeevka city of Ukraine. So the only people in Makeevka who understand the city address specificity fully are local taxi drivers.

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city streets

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city streets 1st photo

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city streets 2nd photo

Makeevka Ukraine city population - 370,000 (2007).
Makeevka Ukraine city land area - 218 sq. km.
Makeevka Ukraine city phone code - +380-6232.
Makeevka Ukraine city postal codes - 86100-86180.

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city view

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city view photo

Makeevka Ukraine city history

The official foundation date of Makeevka city is 1690. It was the settlement of Cossacks named Yasinovka. The Makeevka city was established in 1777 by the Cossack Makiy. In 1875 first coal mine was opened in Makeevka city. In 1899 metallurgical settlement was founded nearby called Dmitrievsk.

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city miners monument

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city miners monument photo

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city industry

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city industry photo

Makeevka settlement was a small village when it was combined with nearby Dmitrievsk. Dmitrievsk subsequently developed as one of the largest coal-mining and industrial centers of the Donets Basin coalfield. In 1931, Dmitrievsk-Makeevka was renamed Makeevka.

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city church

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city church photo

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city cathedral

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city cathedral photo

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city monument

Makeevka (Makiivka) Ukraine city monument photo

Makeevka Ukraine city economy

Makeevka city has a lot of coal mines. Makeevka city industries include one of the largest integrated iron and steel works in Ukraine. There are also other metalworking and coke-chemical plants and factories for pneumatic machinery, shoemaking, and food processing in Makeevka Ukraine. There are also many machine-building enterprises within the Makeevka city of Ukraine.