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Coordinates: 54°36′N 39°42′E / 54.6, 39.7

Coat of Arms
Image:Coat of Arms of Ryazan large.png

Ryazan (Russian: Ряза́нь Russian pronunciation: [rʲɪˈzanʲ]) is a city in the Central Federal District of Russia and the administrative center of Ryazan Oblast. It is on the Oka River 196 kilometres (122 mi) south-east of Moscow. Its population is 521,560 (2002 Census); 514,638 (1989 Census). The strategic bomber base Dyagilevo is just west of the city, and the air base of Alexandrovo is to the southeast as is the small Ryazan Turlatovo Airport.

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History

Ryazan Kremlin

It is argued that the Ryazan kremlin was founded in 800 by Slavic settlers,citation needed as part of their drive into territory previously populated by Finnic peoples.citation needed Initially it was built of wood, gradually replaced by masonry. The oldest preserved part of the kremlin dates back to the 12th century.

However, the first written mention of the city, under the name of Pereslavl, dates to 1095. At that time the city was part of the independent Ryazan Principality, which had existed since 1078 and which was centered on the old city of Ryazan. The first ruler of Ryazan was supposedly Yaroslav Sviatoslavich, Prince of Ryazan and Murom (cities of Kievan Rus'.

The lands of Ryazan, situated on the border of forest and steppe, suffered numerous invasions from the south, carried out by a variety of tribes including the Khazars, the Pechenegs, and the Polovtsians. Ryazan was the first Russian city to by sacked by the Mongol horde of Batu Khan. On December 21, 1237 it was thoroughly devastated and never fully recovered. As result of the sack, the seat of the principality was moved about 55 km to the town of Pereslavl-Ryazanskii, which subsequently took the name of the destroyed capital. The site of the old capital now carries the name of Staraya Ryazan (Old Ryazan), close to Spassk-Ryazanskiy.

In the 1380 Battle of Kulikovo, a key event in Russian history, Grand Prince Oleg of Ryazan and his men fought as allies of Mamai, a strongman of the Tartar Golden Horde, against the Russian armies under the command of the Grand Prince of Vladimir, Dmitri Ivanovich of Moscow.

Late in the 13th century the Princes of Ryazan moved their capital to Pereslavl, which is known as Ryazan from the 16th century (officially renamed in 1778). The principality was finally incorporated into that of Moscow in 1521.

In 1990 it hosted a group of hot air balloonists from the United Kingdom. 24 balloons arrived by road whilst the crews flew from London to Moscow then travelled by bus to Ryazan. Each crew was allocated an interpreter who advised them on local customs. The crews spent about a week in Ryazan and made several flights over the area. The Red Army provided the retrieve vehicles for the teams (two balloons to a vehicle).citations needed

In September 1999, Ryazan was one of the cities involved in the Russian apartment bombings episode, though did not actually experience a successful bomb attack.

Modern Ryazan

Ryazan is a fast-changing city, especially in the areas around the Novosyolov and Moskovskoye Shosse streets. Large shopping malls started to appear recently, and a new indoor skating rink was built on the Novosyolov. The city is home to the Airborne Forces academy.

Ryazan's Drama Theater

Due to its close location to Moscow (three hours by train) modern Ryazan has a boisterous nightlife. Every weekend local clubs and pubs host euro-dance, house and occasionally RnB parties. Clubs like Sunset, Maska, Molotov, Cosmic and Fusion cocktail hall had gained popularity among Ryazan upscale youth and some foreign students. Newy launched restaurants Nebo, Paravoz and Carroll also host irregular parties.

The main rock scene of the city is legendary Planetary art-club. During nearly 10 years of its existence a wide number of Russian and European rock, punk, numetal, emo and avant-garde bands have performed at Planetary. Even American indie rock bands like Briston have made an appearance.

Administrative divisions

The city of Ryazan is divided into four administrative districts: Moskovsky, Oktyabrsky, Sovetsky, and Zheleznodorozhny.

Sights of Ryazan

  • Ryazan Kremlin
  • Pavlov Museum
  • Architectural Museum
  • Art Museum
  • Drama Theater
  • Puppet Theater
  • Children's Circus
  • Pyaniy Park

Uspenski cathedral

Bell Tower

Foreign War Memorial

Notable people

Twin towns

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
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Cities and towns in Ryazan Oblast
Administrative center: Ryazan
Coat of arms of Ryazan Oblast Flag of Ryazan Oblast
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