Kerch (in Crimean Tatar and Turkish Kerç, in Russian, Керчь) is a city (2001 pop 157,000) on the Kerch peninsula of eastern Crimea, an important transportation, historical and tourist centre of Ukraine.

The name is derived from the Turkic kireç which means lime.

History

Ancient times

Kerch was founded by Greek colonists more than 2600 years ago. Once known as Panticapaeum, it had previously served as the capital of the Kingdom of Bosporus in ancient times.

Kerch was influenced by many civilizations and cultures. From the middle of the 1st century BC it was under Roman and then Byzantine control. It suffered severely from barbarian invasions and was devastated by the Huns in AD 375.

Middle Ages

In the 8th century, the Turkic Khazars built a fortress in Kerch from stone blocks with walls about 2.5 meters thick. The main local government official during Khazar times was the archon.

Christianity was a major religion in Kerch during the period of Khazar rule. Kerch's "Church of St. John the Baptist" was founded in 717 C.E. The "Church of the Apostles" existed during the late 8th century and early 9th century, according to the "Life of the Apostle Andrew" by Epiphanus.

Ruins of Panticapaeum. 6th century BC

From the 10th to the 12th century the Slavic settlement of Korchev, which belonged to Tmutarakan principality, was a center of trade between Rus and the Crimea, Caucasus, and the Orient.

In the 14th and 15th centuries the Genoese colony of Cerco (Cerchio) was established there, which in the late 15th century passed to the Turks, who built a citadel there.

Modern Times

Yenikale fortress. Built by Turks in the 17th century

In 1771 Russian Army invided into Crimea and by the Peace Treaty of Kuchuk-Kainarji in 1774, Kerch and the neighboring fortress of Yenikale were ceded to Russia. As a result, the Turkish heritage has been almost completely wiped out.

Because of its location, from 1821 Kerch developed into an important trade and fishing port.

After suffering a decline during the First World War and the civil war (1926 pop 34,600), the city resumed its growth in the late 1920s with the expansion of various industries, iron ore and metallurgy in particular, and by 1939 its population had reached 104,500.

Kerch in World War II

Memorial of the World War II on the Mount Mithridates. Kerch harbor is on the background.

During the Great Patriotic War of 1941 to 1945, Kerch was the site of heavy fighting between Soviet forces and the Nazi forces. The German occupants killed about 15,000 citizens and deported another 14,000 during their reign. Evidence of German atrocities in Kerch was presented in the Nuremberg trials. After the War the city was awarded the title Hero City.

Ajimushkay catacombs (mines) in the city's suburbs were a site of heroic guerilla campaign against occupation. Few thousands soldiers and refugees found shelter inside, making permanent counterattacks. Many of them died underground as a result of German storm attempts (incl. those with chemical weapon) and hunger. Later a memorial was established on site.

Historical names of Kerch

Industry

Shipbuilding, construction-materials, food processing, and other industries play a significant role in the city's economy. Kerch is also a fishing fleet base and an important processing center for numerous fish products.

Transport

Kerch has a harbour on the Kerch Strait, which makes it a key to the Sea of Azov, a railroad terminal and a small airport. A ferry transportation across the Kerch Strait was established in 1952, connecting the Crimea and the Krasnodar Krai (Port Krym - Port Kavkaz line). Bus network connects Kerch to other cities in Crimea and Krasnodar Krai.

Education

Kerch hosts (2004):

• 28 schools,
• 9 institutes and branches of Ukrainian and Russian universities,
• shipbuilding and polytechnical colleges,
• medical school,
• 6 PTU schools,
• a number of pre-school child institutions

Archaeology

Archeological digs in Kerch has been started in the middle of 19th century. Since then the site of ancient Panticapaeum city on Mount Mithridates has been systematically excavated. Located nearby are several ancient burial mounds (kurghans) and excavated cities.

Tourism

Because of its location on shores of Azov and Black seas, Kerch became a popular place for summer holidays among people of former USSR. Kerch has a number of impressive architectural and historical monuments. Ancient historical heritage of the city makes it attractive for scientific tourism.

External links

• Site of the city (in Russian) (http://www.kerch.com.ua)
• Webcam (http://www.kerch.com.ua/webcam/)

de:Kertsch ru:Керчь tr:Kerç