Smolensk

Smolensk (Russian: ????????;, Belarusian: ????????) is a city in western Russia, located on the Dniepr river at {{coor d|54.79|N|32.05|E|}}, administrative center of Smolensk Oblast. Its population in 2003 is 351,100.

Related Topics:
Russia - Dniepr - Smolensk Oblast - 2003

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The name of the city is derived from the name of the Smolnya Rivulet. The origin of the hydronym is less clear. One possibility is the old Slavic word for black soil, which might have coloured the waters of the long-derelict Smolnya. An alternative origin could be the Russian word smola that means both tar and resin. Pine trees grow in the area, and city was once a center of resin procession and trade.

Related Topics:
Hydronym - Black soil - Russian - Tar - Resin - Pine trees

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