Surgut, Port city in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia
Surgut is a big city in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug that stretches along both banks of the Ob River, with buildings rising above the flat Siberian surroundings. The layout includes several districts with residential blocks, industrial zones and public facilities connected by bridges spanning the river.
The settlement was founded in 1594 under Tsar Feodor I as a wooden fortification to secure Russian presence in Siberia. After centuries as a small garrison, it grew rapidly in the 20th century following oil discoveries in the surrounding region.
Residents blend Russian customs with Siberian ways of life, visible in how they move through public spaces and adapt to the environment. On the streets you see people navigating between newer blocks and older Soviet buildings that still define much of the urban layout.
The international airport links the city with other Russian urban centers, making arrival from different parts of the country manageable. The river port handles cargo traffic, while within the city bridges connect both banks for road access.
Two large power plants supply electricity not only to the city but across much of the region, shaping the industrial character of the area. These facilities rank among the most productive energy producers in Western Siberia and are clearly visible from the air on arrival.
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