HISTORY
The Lower Don and the territory of southeastern
Azov Sea region has attracted nomadic peoples such as kimmerians, scythians,
meotians, sarmatians, savromats, alans, khazars, bulgars, pechenegs, polovians,
tartars and leaders of other nations since ancient times. In 13th and
14th centuries tartars of the Golden Horde governed these places. The
Great Silk Road lay through Azak. The Azov region became the conflicting grounds
for Venice and Genoa, and since 1774 according to Kuchuk Kainarji Peace Treaty
with Turkey Russia obtained Azov and southeastern coast of the Azov Sea down to
the river Eia. The annexed area was being settled by Russians, Ukrainians,
Greeks, Armenians, Don Cossacks. In 1780-1830 most of today’s villages were
founded. Until 1888 this territory was included into Ecaterinoslavl Region,
afterwards, into Rostov District of Don Cossacks Army Region. In the second
quarter of 19th century, the Azov region becomes a major supplier and
exporter of wheat. The population was engaged in fishing and fish processing,
sale of agricultural products. Development of the Azov port and building of the
railway road in 1911 promoted export of agricultural products from the Azov
area.
GEOGRAPHICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STATUS
Nowadays the Azov District is one of the largest
districts of the Rostov Region. It is located in the South-West of the Region
(at the South coast of the Taganrog Bay and in the Don Delta). The Azov District
is divided into 18 territories. The
District was established in 1924 first within the Don County and later the
Taganrog County. In 1928 the first machinery station in the North Caucasus was
opened in the district. Another machinery station – Azovskaya – was
decorated among the first with government award – the Lenin Order. In 1935 the
district was divided in Azovsky, Alexandrovsky and Samarsky districts. During
World War II, from August 1942 till 8 February 1943 their territories were
occupied by German fascist invaders. In 1962 the territory of the Azov District
was enhanced first at the expense of the Alexandrovsky and part of Bataisky
Districts, and in 1963 – at the expense of Samarsky and Aksaisky Districts. In
1965 the Aksaisky District was
excluded into a separate administrative entity. In 1980 part of the land
pertaining to the Noviy Mir state farming company and lands of Novobataisky
rural soviet were passed to the newly established Kagalnitsky district.
POPULATION AND LABOUR RESOURSES
Azov District is has the largest population
figure among the Rostov Region’s districts. According to data of January 1,
2000 its population numbers 90642 people. There are 99 boroughs and villages in
the Azov District. The largest
are
Kuleshovka (13 725),
Samarskoye (10 252),
Kagalnik (8 069),
Alexandrovka (4 785),
Peshkovo (3 387),
Ovoshnoi (2 187),
Krugloye (2 114),
Krasnyi
Sad
(2 072),
Elizavetovka (2 056),
Port-Katon (1 860).
There are over 20 nationalities in the District.
The demographic situation remains unfavorable due to natural decrease of
population. The main source
of
its
replenishment is migration.
AUTHORITIES