Moscow is all set to welcome the new year 2019 with it’s resplendent appearance enhanced by the winter snowfall decorating the city.
Moscow is the capital of Russia, the largest city in the country and Europe, and one of the largest cities in the world. Moscow refers to global cities having a great influence on the world because of its high economic level and population. It is the main transport hub of Russia, its political, economic, cultural, and scientific center.
Moscow in Numbers
Moscow is among the world’s largest cities, being the 14th largest metro area, the 18th largest agglomeration, the 14th largest urban area, and the 11th largest by population within city limits worldwide. According to Forbes 2013, Moscow has been ranked as the ninth most expensive city in the world by Mercer and has one of the world’s largest urban economies, being ranked as an alpha global city according to the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, and is also one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world according to the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index.
Winter’s Magic
Moscow is the northernmost and coldest megacity and metropolis on Earth.
Coming to the history of the Moscow city
The real age of Moscow is not known. There are some myths saying that the foundation of Moscow took place in ancient times. The first trustworthy chronicle which mentioned the settlement is the Ipatyev Chronicle, saying that on Saturday, April 4, 1147, the prince Yury Dolgoruky received his friends and allies headed by the prince Svyatoslav Olgovich in a small town called Moskov.
In the early 13th century, Moscow became the center of principality for the first time. In the first half of the 15th century, the town gradually became more and more important. This fact was directly bound with the Tatar-Mongol yoke. The Golden Horde put the Russian principalities under its tribute. Its systematic raids on the Rus’ destroyed the land, and the princes were obligated to get permissions to rule from the Horde.
At the end of the 15th century, Moscow became the capital of the largest Russian state, and, at the beginning of the 16th century – the capital of a unified Russian state. In 1712, the capital of Russia was moved to a newly built town of Saint Petersburg, but Moscow remained the place where emperors were crowned. In 1754, by Catherine’s II order, Michail Lomonosov founded the Moscow University.
During the War of 1812, Moscow was captured by Napoleon’s troops and heavily damaged by fire. According to various estimates, up to 80% of the buildings were destroyed. The recovery process lasted for more than thirty years. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built. By the end of the 19th century, trams appeared in Moscow.
In 1918, Moscow became the capital of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. A new Soviet epoch began in the history of the city. Moscow became the main city of the country, the importance of the city increased enormously.
In the winter of 1941-1942, the Moscow Battle took place. This was the first land victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
In 1980, Moscow became the Olympic city. The 22nd Summer Olympic Games took place in the city.
In 1995, Moscow received new official symbols – coat of arms, flag, and anthem. In the 21st century, a number of international cultural and sports events took place in Moscow, including the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2008. 12 matches of FIFA World Cup 2018 were played in Moscow.
The coat of arms of Moscow depicts a horseman with a spear in his hand slaying a basilisk and is identified with Saint George and the Dragon. The heraldic emblem of Moscow has been an integral part of the coat of arms of Russia since the 16th century.
Moscow has been the largest transport hub of Russia throughout its history. The city is located in the very center of the hub of railways and highways.
Now, the whole city is decorated with lights and all set to welcome the new year 2019.
Special thanks to Yanina Nikitina for all these fantastic photos.