Izhevsk History: A Look at Russia's City of Steel



Izhevsk, Russia, is a city with a long and rich history, one that is deeply intertwined with the country’s industrial past. Located in the Udmurt Republic, Izhevsk is the capital of the region and the third-largest city in the Russian Federation. It is renowned for its steel-producing factories, and its history is closely linked to the development of the Russian industry.

The city dates back to 1760, when it was founded as a small settlement by the Russian Empress Elizabeth. It was originally named after the nearby river, the Izh, and was intended to be a trading post for the Udmurt people. Over the years, the city grew in size and importance, eventually becoming a major industrial hub in the late 19th century.

At the turn of the 20th century, Izhevsk was home to a large number of factories, producing everything from textiles to metal products. In particular, it was a major producer of steel, earning it the nickname “City of Steel”. This was due to the presence of the Izhevsk Iron and Steel Works, which was established in 1895 and quickly became one of the largest steel factories in the country.

The steel industry was the lifeblood of Izhevsk, and its workers provided the city with its wealth and prosperity. The city’s factories also produced a variety of other products, such as ammunition, firearms, and even the famous Kalashnikov assault rifle. This made Izhevsk a major center for the defense industry, and it was home to a large number of military-related factories.

During the Soviet era, Izhevsk was home to a number of important research and development centers. In particular, it was home to the Institute of Precision Mechanics and Optics, which was responsible for the development of the world-famous AK-47 assault rifle. The city was also home to the Udmurt State University, which was founded in 1942 and is one of the oldest universities in the country.

Today, Izhevsk is still a major industrial hub, and its factories produce a variety of products, including steel, ammunition, and firearms. It is also home to a number of research and development centers, and it is a major center for the defense industry. The city is also home to a number of cultural and historical attractions, including the famous Kalashnikov Museum, which is dedicated to the development of the AK-47.

Izhevsk has a long and rich history, one that is deeply intertwined with the development of the Russian industry. It is a city of steel, and its factories have played an important role in the country’s development. Today, the city is still a major industrial hub, and its factories produce a variety of products, from steel to firearms. It is also home to a number of research and development centers, and it is a major center for the defense industry.