Maykop, Regional capital in Republic of Adygea, Russia
Maykop is the capital of the Republic of Adygea and sits on the right bank of the Belaya River at roughly 220 meters above sea level. Streets run from the center toward the forested hills that line the southern edges of town.
The Russian army built a fortress here in 1857, which grew into an important administrative center after oil was found in 1910. During World War Two, the town was briefly occupied and later rebuilt.
The name comes from Adyghe and means "valley of apple trees", though today the area shows more modern development than orchards. Local markets sell traditional Circassian cheese and corn dishes alongside Russian staples.
The town is best reached from Krasnodar Airport, located about 62 miles (100 kilometers) to the north. Visitors in summer should bring light clothing, as temperatures often climb above 86°F (30°C).
Archaeologists found a Bronze Age burial nearby from the fourth millennium BC that gave its name to an entire cultural period. The grave goods included gold jewelry and elaborately decorated pottery vessels now displayed in museums worldwide.
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