Tuapse

Early history

Tuapse was originally known by the name of Nicopsis since its founding as a colony by the Greeks. It was integrated into the kingdom of Abkhazia and then into the kingdom of Georgia, from the eleventh century. With the chaos of the sixteenth century, Georgia lost Nicopsia to the Circassians. Tuapse is a large center (native land) for the Shapsugs tribe with other areas in Circassia, with about 10,000 speakers of the language living in Tuapse. The name of the town is itself Adyghe (literally meaning "two waters") since Tuapse was part of historical Circassia and it became a part of Russia during the rule of Tsar Alexander I in 1801-1825. In early Greek sources the town was also attested as Topsida.

Modern history

The modern settlement dates back to 1838, when the Russian fort of Velyaminovsky was established in the area after this region became a part of Russia in 1829 by Treaty of Adrianople. During the Crimean War, the Ottomans seized the fort and held it for two years (1857–1859). The village of Velyaminovskoye (Вельяминовское) was established here in 1864; it is the village that later became Tuapse. Town status was granted to Tuapse in 1896.

The Soviets developed Tuapse as an oil terminal and depot. An oil pipeline from Grozny and Maykop was in operation by 1928, designed by Vladimir Shukhov. An oil refinery dates from the same period. No later than 1941, Tuapse's status was changed to that of a town of the krai subordination.

During World War II, the German military attempted to seize the town during the Battle of the Caucasus, which caused major damage to Tuapse.

Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, Tuapse serves as the administrative center of Tuapsinsky District, even though it is not a part of it. As an administrative division, it is incorporated separately as the Town of Tuapse—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts. As a municipal division, the Town of Tuapse is incorporated within Tuapsinsky Municipal District as Tuapsinskoye Urban Settlement.

Climate

Tuapse has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa).

Transport

Tuapse is one of the key transport hubs of the Black Sea coast of the Russian Federation. The city's location determines its key importance to ensure a ground connection with the Spa capital of the country — the city of Sochi, and also makes an important item in the export commodities of the country (oil, fertilizer, coal, etc.).

There is a railway station in Tuapse.

Miscellaneous

The Russian Children Center Orlyonok (former All-Russian SFSR Young Pioneer camp) is located there. The world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik and 2005 Miss Universe winner, Natalie Glebova, were born in Tuapse.

Twin towns and sister cities

Tuapse is twinned with: