Minsk
Minsk is the capital of Belarus, its political, economical, scientific and cultural centre, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in it. Minsk is situated on the river Svisloch and occupies an area of 200 square kilometres. Its population is about two million. Minsk (or Menesk or Mensk as it used to be called before assuming its present name) is about 930 years old. It was founded in 1067. The origin of the name is believed to be associated with the river Menka that flows into lake Ptych not far from the city. Some legends say that Minsk was named so to commemorate a certain man called Minch or a heroic warrior Menesk. According to another interpretation the name of Minsk derives from the word "mena" as in ancient times there used to be a barter market in the newly-founded settlement which came to be called Mensk and then Minsk. The fact of its existence was first recorded in 1067 in connection with the battle on the river Nemiga. In 1101 after Prince Vseslav's death the Principality of Polotsk was shared out among his sons. Gleb Vseslavovich, his son, took possession of Minsk and made it the capital of an independant Principality. It was a flourishing commercial centre located at the cross-roads of the traditional trade routes from East to West and from North to South. In the 14th century Minsk became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Minsk survived many wars: the Russian-French war in 1812, World War I, but World War II brought great destructions to the city. Many buildings of great historical value were laid in ruins and today the face of Minsk has changed. Nowadays Minsk is a big growing city with high buildings, tree-lined avenues and streets, green parks and gardens. Minsk is a city of industrial giants. Tractors and lorries, motorcycles and bicylces, radio and television sets, watches and most complicated computers are produced here. The products of the city's plants and factories are known not only in our Republic but widely abroad too. With the development of industry in Minsk ecological problems appeared. Besides the Chernobyl tragedy became one of the most horrible ecological catastrophies. About 18 per cent of the territory of Belarus were polluted with radiation. This has led to massive pollution of soil, air and water. In some parts of the city the air is very dirty. Minsk is also a large educational and scientific centre with 14 institutions of higher learning, the Academy of Sciences and many research institutes. There are a lot of theatres, museums, cinemas and exhibitions in Minsk. The Trinity Suburb is the oldest part of Minsk. It consists of many low-dwelling houses and the distance between them is very small. Not far from this place the State Opera and Ballet Theatre is situated. It is remarkable for its architecture and splendid perfomances. The Belarusian Yanka Kupala Theatre and the Belarusian Circus are worth visiting places too. Minsk is often called a city of one street. The main street of the city - Skorina Prospect - extends for nearly 9 km. Independence Square and Victory Square are the most attractive squares in Minsk. The monument in Victory Square was erected to commemorate the victory of Belarusian people in the Great Patriotic War. And in the 19th century this square was named Napoleon Square. The museum of World War II is not far from this place and contains interesting collection telling us a sad story of war time. Independence Square is the official centre of Minsk and the Government buildings are clustered there. There are many picturesque places in Minsk such as the river Svisloch, numerous parks. People liive and work in Minsk, love and respect it. Today Minsk is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is growing fast and becoming ever more attractive.