Tobolsk

Tobolsk is a historic city in Russia, located at the confluence of the Tobol and Irtysh rivers in Tyumen Oblast, Siberia. Founded in 1587, it is one of the oldest Siberian settlements and played a significant role in the Russian exploration and colonization of Siberia.

History:

Established shortly after Russia's conquest of the Khanate of Sibir, Tobolsk initially served as a fortress and trading post. Due to its strategic location along major Siberian waterways, it quickly grew into a major administrative, religious, and economic center. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, Tobolsk functioned as the capital of Siberia, controlling a vast territory that stretched from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The city was a key transit point for trade between Russia, Central Asia, and China, particularly in furs.

Tobolsk was also a center of Russian Orthodoxy in Siberia, and the Tobolsk Kremlin, featuring several cathedrals and churches, remains a prominent landmark. The city became a place of exile for numerous political and religious figures, including members of the Decembrist movement and, most famously, Tsar Nicholas II and his family in 1917-1918 before their transfer to Yekaterinburg.

With the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway further south in the late 19th century, Tobolsk's importance as a major transport hub diminished. However, it remained a significant regional center.

Modern Tobolsk:

Today, Tobolsk is a city with a population of over 90,000 people. While it retains its historical significance, modern Tobolsk is also an important industrial center, primarily due to the large petrochemical complex, Sibur Tobolsk, one of the largest of its kind in Russia. The city is also a tourist destination, attracting visitors interested in its rich history and architectural heritage. The Tobolsk Kremlin and the museum complex are popular attractions. The city is served by Tobolsk Airport (Roshchino).