Mariupol is located in the southeast of Ukraine in the Donetsk region. The city is located on the shores of the Sea of Azov, near the estuaries of the Kalchik and Kalmius rivers. Mariupol is a major seaport and center of engineering and metallurgy in Ukraine.
The history of Mariupol
The city was founded in 1778. Orthodox Greeks withdrawn from the Crimean Khanate settled there. The county town was engaged in maritime 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 connected to Mariupol, connecting the city with the Donbass. Donetsk coal began to be sent to the port. The increase in cargo turnover led to the construction of a new trading port. At the end of the 19th century, metallurgical plants were built in the city that produced oil pipes, steel sheets, railway rails, etc. And already at the beginning of the twentieth century, a cast iron factory, 2 steam mills, a pasta factory, 6 leather and 27 brick and tile enterprises operated in Mariupol.
Further development of the city
In 1917-1920, fierce battles were fought in the city, Mariupol was occupied by the Red Guards, German troops, and the White Guard. In December 1919, the port was again captured by the Bolsheviks, who created the Red Azov military flotilla, paving the way for the revival of the Black Sea Fleet.
During World War II, Mariupol was under German occupation for almost two years. The Nazis shot 10 thousand people in the city, approximately 50 thousand girls and boys were evicted to Germany. About 36 thousand prisoners of war died in concentration camps. After the war, restoration work began in the city. By 1950, 48 industrial enterprises had reached and exceeded the pre-war level of production.
Also during these years, high-rise housing estates, medical institutions, new schools, dispensaries, catering establishments and shops were built. Physical education and sports institutions continued to develop, and the drama theater was restored. With the development of the economy, the number of residents of Mariupol grew, while 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.
