An interesting fact is that one of the regional cities, which are part of the Khanty-Mansiysk District, surpasses the administrative center in terms of the number of inhabitants, and in terms of the degree of economic development, and in terms of tourism potential. The history of Surgut, one of the oldest cities in Siberia, began in February 1594, when Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich ordered to establish a new settlement.
Foundation and development
It is symbolic that a voivode, a merchant and a hunter took part in the foundation of the city: by this, the main directions of the development of Surgut were laid - trade, fur hunting, strong power.
Not far from the city was the Ostyak fortress, which was owned by Prince Bardak. According to separate versions, not yet documented, the date of the foundation of Surgut can be postponed several centuries ago, and the Bulgars can be considered the founders.
The birth of the city began with the construction of a small fortress - this is how Surgut looked at the end of the 16th century. But it was from here that the active development of Siberia began, the role of the city is increasing, so there is a need for the emergence of new buildings, including the Gostiny Dvor.
By the end of the 18th century Surgut became a district town within the Tobolsk governorship. Unfortunately, the importance of the city as an administrative center is declining, as competitors, cities that have appeared in the southern part of Siberia, are actively developing.
XX century and era of changes
A new rise in the economic and cultural life of Surgut begins at the end of the 19th century. In connection with the so-called administrative-territorial reforms, the city is now part of the Tobolsk province. It acts as a district city (since 1868), then as a county center (since 1898).
The post-revolutionary history of Surgut in a summary can be represented by the following events:
- establishment of the power of the Soviets (April 1918);
- the uprising of the kulaks, Surgut is the center of the rebellion (1920);
- deprivation of city status (September 1923).
During the war years, Surgut is in the deep rear, the male part of the population goes to the fronts of the Great Patriotic War, women, old people and children work in enterprises, providing the army with coal, food, clothing.
The discovery of large mineral deposits in the post-war period returned Surgut to the active economic life of the country. Now the city has become one of the important centers for oil and gas production.
