Omsk History, Russia

The second biggest city in Russia, Omsk is located in the southwestern part of Siberia and the administrative capital of Omsk Oblast. The Governor Generals of both the Steppes and Western Siberia made the city their seat at one point during the peak period of the Russian Empire.

Omsk History – The Foundation of Omsk

Omsk History may be traced as the Russian border continued to expand in the 18th century. During this period, a fort made of wood was built in Omsk in 1716. This was the time when the city was formally established as a town. Two strong fortresses were constructed on the banks of Omsk during the latter part of the 18th century to protect it from foreign invaders.

Omsk History – Omsk Development

The city of Omsk became the government seat of both Western Siberia and Steppes between the 1800s and the early 1900s. During this time, it obtained a variety of cathedrals, churches, synagogues, and mosques. The city also acquired a military academy and a governor general’s mansion.

At some point in the 1800s, Omsk experienced stagnation in development. This incident was short-lived since in the 1890s, building of the Trans-Siberian Railway began and the city once more felt a boom, progress-wise. Many merchants migrated to Omsk as many companies, stores, and offices opened. In 1910, the city reached its peak as an important economic center when the Siberian Exposition of Agriculture and Industry was established.

Following the revolution of 1917, Omsk was seized and controlled by the pro-monarchy army. A year later, Russia’s Provisional Government was established and the city was declared the capital of the country.

Omsk History – Soviet Period

When the Soviet government ruled, it favored the city of Novosibirisk over Omsk as the capital of Western Siberia. With this, the functions in administration, culture, and education were moved to the new capital. Omsk’s progress diminished and up to the present, the two cities consider each other as rivals.

Unlike many cities found in Europe, the Second World War became quite advantageous to the city. It became the temporary capital of the country throughout the war. The drawback of this, however, was the high unemployment rate in the city when the Soviet armed forces demand ended in the 1990s.

An oil-refining compound was erected in Omsk in the 1950s after oil and natural gas ground was developed in Siberia. This is yet another important event tracked in Omsk History. Presently, this is the largest complex in Russia and the third biggest in Europe.

Omsk History – At Present

During the last decade of the 20th century, Omsk, alongside other places in Russia like Barnaul, struggled with developmental advancements. The elite party, felons and new businessmen fought amongst each other over the control of Omsk’s most money-spinning enterprises.

At the turn of the century, the local government resolved the problem by establishing the yearly Siberian International Marathon and City Days Festivity. Additionally, construction of various leisure parks and reconstruction of historical monuments also made Omsk develop as a city.