Naming of the city Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod is the second most populous city in the Volga region and the sixth largest city in Russia. According to historical records, it was founded in 1221 by Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich of Vladimir as a border fortress. The city, pronounced “Nizhny Novgorod,” was formerly known as Gorky; however, its original name was simply Novgorod, meaning “new city.” On July 3, 2020, by decree of Vladimir Putin, then President of Russia, the city was awarded the title “City of Labour and Valour.”
Features of Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod is the city where Maxim Gorky, one of the greatest Russian writers worldwide, spent his childhood. During the industrialization period of the Soviet Union in the 1930s, major automotive companies, including the Gorky Automobile Plant, were established. In 1932, the city was renamed in honor of this great writer. However, in 1990, Nizhny Novgorod regained its original name. The Gorky Literary Museum, housing an exhibition of over 100,000 works, is currently located in this city. More than 120 religious communities exist here, including followers of Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and other faiths. The city features various mosques, churches, and religious centers. During World War II, the city was a key producer of military equipment. In fact, it is said that the first tank of the Soviet Union was manufactured in this city.
Geography of Nizhny Novgorod:
This city is located about 400 kilometers from Moscow at the confluence of two of the largest waterways in the European part of Russia, the Volga and Oka rivers. The area of the city is approximately 500 square kilometers and includes 33 lakes and 12 rivers. The city stretches 20 kilometers along the Oka River and 30 kilometers along the Volga River.
Airports
Strigino Airport is considered the international airport of the city of Nizhny Novgorod. This airport is one of the oldest airports in Russia and was opened in 1923. With over one million passengers transported annually, it is among the 15 most important airports in Russia. Also, the metro of this city was established in 1985 and currently has 2 lines and 14 stations.
Climate
The climate of this city is temperate continental, with cold and long winters and warm, relatively short summers. Due to the city’s location at the confluence of two major rivers in a marshy area, frequent fog and high relative humidity occur during the summer.
Universities
Nizhny Novgorod is home to several well-established universities, making it an important educational center in Russia. These institutions offer a wide range of programs in engineering, economics, humanities, and natural sciences. One of the most prominent universities in the city is Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod (UNN), known for its research and international collaborations.
Although the city’s medical universities are not recognized by some foreign ministries of health, including Iran’s, they still attract local and regional students. Other notable institutions include the Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University and Nizhny Novgorod State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.
- Perm State University
