Kerch

Kerch ({{lang-ru|?????}}; {{lang-ua|????}}; Old East Slavic: Korchev, Turkish and Crimean Tatar: Kerç) is a city (2001 pop 157,000) on the Kerch Peninsula of eastern Crimea, an important industrial, transportation and tourist center of Ukraine. The name comes from Old East Slavic ??????? which means throat, alluding to a narrow strait in front of the town (see Vasmer here).

Modern Kerch

Industry

Today Kerch is considered as a city of metallurgists, shipbuilders and fishermen.

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The largest enterprises in the city are:

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• Kerch Metallurgical Works Factory launched in 1900
• Kamysh-Burun Iron Ore Plant
• "Zaliv" ("Gulf") shipbuilding factory that produces supertankers and warships.

Construction-materials, food processing, and light 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.

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After the disintegration of Soviet Union hard times came for metal manufacture and shipbuilding in the city and Kerch is gradually turning into a resort and tourist centre.

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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. Ferry transportation across the Kerch Strait was established in 1953, connecting the Crimea and the Krasnodar Krai (Port Krym - Port Kavkaz line).

Related Topics:
Sea of Azov - Kerch Strait - 1953 - Krasnodar Krai - Port Krym - Port Kavkaz

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Bus network connects Kerch to other cities in Crimea and Krasnodar Krai.

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Education

Kerch hosts (2004):

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• 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

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

Related Topics:
19th - Panticapaeum - Mithradates

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Kerch takes part in UNESCO's "Silk Road" programme.

Related Topics:
UNESCO - Silk Road

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Tourism

Because of its location on shores of Azov and Black seas, Kerch became a popular summer resort among people of former USSR. Also, several mud-cure sources are located near the city.

Related Topics:
Azov - Black - USSR

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Kerch has a number of impressive architectural and historical monuments. Ancient historical heritage of the city makes it attractive for scientific tourism. The most notable of Kerch's sights are:

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• Site of ancient settlement Pantikapaeum (5th century BC–3rd century AD)
• Tsarskiy Kurghan (4th century BC) - burial mound for one of Bosporian kings
• Church of St. John the Baptist (AD 717)
• Fortress of Yenikale (18th century)
• Large Mithradates Ladder leading on top of the Mount Mithradates, contains 428 footsteps, built in 1833–1840 under the guidance of Italian architect A. Digbi
• Obelisk of Glory on the Mount Mithradates, built after World War II
• Memorial of heroic guerilla warfare in Ajimushkay mines