Zarečje

Zarečje (Заречье) is a place name common in Slavic countries, particularly in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and former Yugoslavian countries. It literally translates to "beyond the river," "across the river," or "the place beyond the river." The name typically refers to a settlement, neighborhood, district, or other geographical location situated on the far side of a river from a more central or historically significant area. The relative importance of "central" is subjective and depends on the specific geographical context.

The prevalence of the name suggests that many settlements historically grew up around rivers, with communities expanding to the opposite bank. Over time, these areas came to be known as Zarečje to distinguish them from the original settlement. As such, Zarečje is more descriptive than inherently significant, and many unrelated places share the name. Therefore, locating Zarečje requires specifying its region or the river it lies across from.