Happy Anniversary, Murmansk!

Atle Staalesen, The Independent Barents Observer
Posted: Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 15:53
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Murmansk, first called Romanov-na-Murmane, was the last city founded by the Romanov dynasty. (Atle Staalesen / The Independent Barents Observer)

“With selfless and devoted labour you created this steadfast Arctic outpost,” President Vladimir Putin told the people of Murmansk as the city celebrates its 100-year anniversary.

Festivities are spreading cheer as Russia’s Arctic capital today marks its centennial. Among the greetings the city recieved is a telegram from President Putin.

“This history of Murmansk has been written by strong and brave people, who under difficult climatic conditions erected a huge sea port, infrastructure for fish industry, ship repair, mineral exploration, they built houses, schools, roads and hospitals,” the state leader said.

The letter was read aloud by Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council, during an official ceremony on Tuesday, the Murmansk government informed.

Matvienko also participated in the official opening of the Murmansk Sea Terminal, which was built to help boost cruise tourism in the region.

The City of Murmansk was officially founded on the banks of the Kola Bay on October 4, 1916. A few years earlier, settlers had established themselves by the Semyonovskoye Lake, now a popular recreation area in the city. Murmansk – first named Romanov-na-Murmane – was founded as the WWI moved towards an end. It became the last city established in the Russian Empire. A few months later, following the 1917 February Revolution, the city was renamed Murmansk.