Ufa, Capital city in Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia
Ufa is a large city at the meeting point of the Belaya and Ufa rivers in European Russia. The urban area spreads across both riverbanks with residential neighborhoods on the hills and the business center along the waterfront.
The city began in the 16th century as a Russian fortress to secure trade routes to Siberia. During World War II, several Soviet factories relocated here, permanently changing the population and industry.
The city celebrates Sabantui each year, a traditional harvest festival featuring horse-based competitions and local foods that brings together thousands of residents and visitors. In the center, you often see people moving between mosques and Orthodox churches, reflecting the multireligious nature of the community.
The city center is easy to explore on foot with most points of interest near the riverbanks. In winter, temperatures drop considerably, so warm clothing is necessary from November through March.
In the parks along the Belaya, you can spot wild ducks and herons nesting in the river bends during summer. On clear days, the Ural Mountains appear on the eastern horizon even though the peaks are more than 60 miles (100 kilometers) away.
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