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Kharkiv

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Kharkiv is the second-largest city in Ukraine.

Kharkov0060
Kharkov0060

It is located in the northeast part of the country. The city serves as the largest urban center of the historic region known as Sloboda Ukraine. It is also the administrative center for both Kharkiv Oblast and Kharkiv Raion.

Административное деление Харькова
Административное деление Харькова

The city is situated near the banks of the Lopan and Kharkiv rivers.

Kharkivstrelka
Kharkivstrelka

This location has made it a vital hub for transport, science, and industry.

The city's name likely comes from the Kharkiv River. A folk etymology suggests the name relates to a legendary Cossack founder named Kharko.

Kharko
Kharko

However, the river's name appears in records earlier than the founding of the fortress. Historically, the spelling "Kharkov" was the standard English transliteration from Russian. Since Ukraine's independence in 1991, the city has used the Ukrainian transliteration, Kharkiv. This follows the Ukrainian National romanization system adopted for official use. This spelling is now used by major dictionaries and the Library of Congress.

Human history in this region reaches back to the 2nd century BC. Scythian and Sarmatian settlements occupied the area during that time. Later, the Chernyakhov culture existed here between the 2nd and 6th centuries AD. Various groups, including the Khazars and the Golden Horde, controlled the territory at different times. In 1654, settlers rebuilt and fortified an abandoned settlement as a Cossack fortress.

Харьков. Покровский собор и архиерейский дом
Харьков. Покровский собор и архиерейский дом

At that time, the population was just over 1,000 people. About half of these residents were local Cossacks. The original fortress walls once enclosed several modern streets, including Constitution Square.

During the 19th century, Kharkiv grew into a major commercial and industrial center within the Russian Empire. The city established Kharkiv University in 1805.

Читальный зал Научной библиотеки НФаУ
Читальный зал Научной библиотеки НФаУ

This institution attracted famous scholars and intellectuals. In 1830, the city began paving its central streets with cobbles. By 1870, a system of running water was established for the residents. The city also became a significant center for Ukrainian culture. The first Ukrainian newspaper was published here in 1812. Various student groups also worked to promote Ukrainian national identity during this era.

Kharkiv held a very important political role during the Soviet era. From December 1919 to January 1934, it served as the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. During this period, it was the sixth-largest city in the Soviet Union. Massive migration from the countryside changed the city's ethnic makeup. Ukrainian became the largest recorded nationality, though Russian remained the primary spoken language. The 1920s and 1930s saw the rise of Constructivist architecture.

Будинок держпромисловості, Харків DJI 0057
Будинок держпромисловості, Харків DJI 0057

A famous example is the Derzhprom, or Palace of Industry.

palace of industry
palace of industry

This building was once the tallest in the Soviet Union.

Today, Kharkiv is a major industrial leader in independent Ukraine. The city is known for producing machinery, electronics, and military hardware.

Будинок «Аеровокзал» DSC4362 07
Будинок «Аеровокзал» DSC4362 07

Many landmarks define its landscape, such as the Annunciation and Dormition cathedrals.

Blagoveschensky Cathedral - 01
Blagoveschensky Cathedral - 01
Dormition Cathedral, Kharkiv - 04
Dormition Cathedral, Kharkiv - 04

The Kharkiv Railway Station and the National University are also essential landmarks. The city is a massive center for education and scientific research. It remains a vital part of the nation's infrastructure.

Since the beginning of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kharkiv has faced extreme hardship. It was a primary target during the eastern Ukraine campaign. Before the invasion, the city had an estimated population of 1,421,125 people. The city has suffered from intermittent fire and shelling. By April 2024, reports indicated that almost one-quarter of the city had been damaged or destroyed.

Новорічне оформлення майдану Свободи, м. Харків
Новорічне оформлення майдану Свободи, м. Харків

Despite these challenges, Kharkiv continues to function as a major urban center.

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🖼️ Images & Media (38)
File:Kharko.jpg
Kharko.jpg
File:Харьков. Покровский собор и архиерейский дом.jpg
Харьков. Покровский собор и архиерейский дом.jpg
File:Charkow.jpg
Charkow.jpg
File:Kursk Kharkov 1869.jpg
Kursk Kharkov 1869.jpg
File:palace of industry.jpg
palace of industry.jpg
File:MapKharkov-1930-1823.jpg
MapKharkov-1930-1823.jpg
File:GolodomorKharkiv.jpg
GolodomorKharkiv.jpg
File:Pamiatnyk.jpg
Pamiatnyk.jpg
File:IMG 2428 zerk.jpg
IMG 2428 zerk.jpg
File:Kharkov0060.jpg
Kharkov0060.jpg
File:Новорічне оформлення майдану Свободи, м. Харків.jpg
Новорічне оформлення майдану Свободи, м....
File:Kharkivstrelka.jpg
Kharkivstrelka.jpg

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