Cherkessk, Russia
Region: Karachay-Cherkess Republic
Geographic Coordinates: 44.222200, 42.057500
Temperature Range: -50.0°C to 30.0°C (-58°F to 86°F)
Climate: Cold and snowy winters, mild springs and autumns, and warm summers with occasional thunderstorms.
Population: 122395
Language: Russian
Cherkessk is a city located in the southern region of Russia, Specifically in the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia. It is situated on the Kuban River and surrounded by beautiful mountains that offer stunning views of the landscape. The city has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, With archaeological evidence suggesting that it was inhabited as early as 4000 BC. One of Cherkessk’s most notable landmarks is its central square, Which features a large fountain and several statues dedicated to famous figures from Russian history.
The square serves as a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, Especially during holidays and festivals when it is decorated with lights and other decorations. The city also boasts several museums and cultural institutions that showcase its unique heritage. For example, The Museum of Local Lore contains exhibits on the region’s natural history, Geology, Archaeology, And culture. Visitors can learn about traditional crafts such as weaving and pottery-making or explore displays on local flora and fauna. In addition to its cultural attractions, Cherkessk offers plenty of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.
The nearby Caucasus Mountains are home to numerous hiking trails that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also go skiing or snowboarding at one of several nearby ski resorts during winter months. Cherkessk’s cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences from neighboring regions such as Georgia and Azerbaijan. Traditional dishes include shashlik (grilled meat skewers), Khinkali (dumplings filled with meat or cheese), Pilaf (rice cooked with vegetables or meat), And various types of flatbread. Overall, Cherkessk offers visitors an opportunity to experience both natural beauty and rich cultural heritage in one location.
Its friendly locals are always eager to share their traditions with visitors while providing warm hospitality throughout their stay in this charming part of Russia.
Important Landmarks
- The Museum of Local Lore
- Cherkessk State Drama Theater
- Victory Park
- Central Mosque of Cherkessk
- Monument to the Heroes of World War II
- Stela Cherkessk – the city of military glory
- Memorial Complex Eternal Flame
- The Palace of Culture named after V.I.Lenin
- Lake Krasnoye
- Church of St Nicholas
Note: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended to check the latest travel guidelines before planning a trip to any destination in Russia or elsewhere in the world as restrictions may apply or change frequently depending on local conditions and regulations at any given time period.
Primary Industries
- Agriculture
- Food processing
- Textiles
- Pharmaceuticals
- Construction materials
- Small-scale manufacturing enterprises producing products such as furniture and consumer goods
- Service sector with businesses such as banking, retail trade, and hospitality
- Several universities and research institutions that contribute to the education and scientific development of the region
Noteable History
- The foundation of Cherkessk dates back to 1804 when it was established as a military fortification during the Caucasian War.
- The Circassian genocide occurred in the late 19th century, and the Russian Empire conducted an ethnic cleansing campaign against native Circassian people living around Cherkessk.
- Nazi Germany occupied Cherkessk during World War II from 1942 to 1943.
- Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of the Soviet Union and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was born in Privolnoye village near Cherkessk in 1931.
- Aslan Maskhadov, a prominent Chechen separatist leader who served as President of Chechnya from 1997 until his death in 2005, spent much of his childhood and early adulthood in Cherkessk.
- Valery Shantsev is a Russian politician who served as Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast from 2005 to 2018 and was born and raised in Cherkessk.
- In September 2004, militants seized School Number One in Beslan near Cherkessk resulting in one of Russia’s deadliest terrorist attacks known as the Beslan school siege.
- Zaur Dadayev is a former Chechen police officer convicted for his involvement in Boris Nemtsov’s assassination – an opposition politician criticizing Vladimir Putin’s government – after growing up and living for many years near Cherkessk before moving to Moscow.
- Abdullah Kadyrov (1918–1979) was a Soviet politician and statesman who served as the First Secretary of Communist Party Kabardino-Balkar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic from1950 until his death; he was born in Cherkessk.
Museums and Things To See
- Cherkessk Regional Museum of Local Lore
- Memorial complex Eternal Flame
- Monument to the Heroes of the Great Patriotic War
- Art Gallery Belaya Vezha
- Park named after Kirov
- Monument to Russian poet Alexander Pushkin
- Cherkessk Drama Theater named after A.S.Pushkin
- Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ
- Central Park
- Memorial complex To Victims of Political Repression
Cultural Events
- Adygea Day – This festival is celebrated on May 21 annually to commemorate the founding of Adygea Republic.
- Krasnodar Krai Folk Festival – It’s held every year in September to showcase traditional Russian folk music and dance performances.
- Victory Day – Celebrated on May 9th, this day commemorates Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II.
- International Youth Festival Kuban-2021 – This festival brings together young people from various countries to participate in sports competitions and cultural events.
- Caucasian Hospitality Festival – Held every year in August, this festival celebrates the hospitality and culture of the Caucasus region through food, music, dance performances and traditional games.
- The City Day of Cherkessk – Celebrated on September 29th annually with parades, concerts and other festive activities to honor the city’s founding anniversary.
Note: Please check for updates or changes before planning a visit to any event or festival due to COVID-19 restrictions or other unforeseen circumstances that may affect its schedule or availability.
Cuisine
- Kabardian Cuisine: This traditional cuisine of the Kabardians includes meat dishes like shashlyk (grilled meat), chudu (steamed meat), and kharcho (meat soup).
- Cafe Pivnaya Bashnya: A popular restaurant that serves traditional Russian cuisine such as pelmeni (dumplings), borsch (beet soup), and blini (pancakes).
- Restaurant Kavkazskaya Plennitsa: This restaurant specializes in Caucasian cuisine with grilled meats, kebabs, and stews.
- Restaurant U Deda Misha: A family-owned restaurant that serves Georgian dishes including khachapuri (cheese bread) and khinkali (dumplings).
- Cafe Shokoladnitsa: A chain cafe that offers coffee drinks, pastries, and light meals.
- Cafe Tiflis: This cafe offers Georgian-style dishes such as khinkali dumplings filled with minced beef or lamb.
- Pizzeria Napoli: An Italian-style pizzeria with various toppings to choose from.
- Cafe Vostochniy Express: This cafe offers Middle Eastern food including shawarma wraps filled with chicken or beef along with falafel sandwiches.
Parks and Recreation
- Park of Culture and Rest named after Kirov
- Victory Park
- Central Park of Cherkessk
- City Garden
- Botanical Garden of Cherkessk State University
- Sports complex Olympic
- Ice Palace Khanty-Mansiysk
- Ski resort Arkhyz (located nearby)
- Water park Aqua-land
- Horseback riding tours in the surrounding mountains and forests