Biysk (Russian Бийск, pop. 235,500) is a city in Altai Krai of Russia.
Geographical position
The city is situated in Southwestern Siberia, on the Biya River (not far from its confluence with the Katun River). Biysk is called "the gates to the Altai Mountains", because of its position comparatively not far from this range. In the city there is the beginning of the Chuysky Highway, which goes through the Altai Republic to Russia's border with Mongolia.
History
Biysk was founded in 1709 as a fortress by the order of the Russian Emperor Peter the Great, but in about a year was burnt by a local nomadic tribe and rebuilt in 1718. Gradually, Biysk lost its role as a military base, but became an important centre of trade, which received a city status in 1782.
Transport
Biysk has a railway station, a port on the Biya and an airport. The route of Federal importance Novosibirsk-Biysk-Tashanta (Chuysky Highway) goes through the city.
Industry
The city's industry grew rapidly, especially after some factories were evacuated there from the west of the Soviet Union in the WWII times. During Soviet times the city was an important centre for arms development and production and still remains an industrial centre.
Education and culture
Biysk is a centre of education and culture, having a pedagogical university, a technical institute and other educational institutions, a drama theatre (built in 1913), a museum of local lore, etc..
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