Iturup history

The history of the exploration of Iturup Island is rooted in deep antiquity. Originally, these lands were inhabited by the Ainu—an indigenous people who called the island "Etorop," which can be translated as "jellyfish" or "hood." The first documentary mentions of the territory appeared in the reports of Russian explorers and Japanese researchers in the 17th–18th centuries, when active mapping of the Kuril Ridge and the establishment of contacts with the local population began.

The key factors that contributed to the emergence of permanent settlements were the unique natural conditions and the strategic importance of the region:

• Geography and Climate: The island's volcanic origin and ice-free straits made it an important point for navigation.
• Resource Base: An abundance of salmon and fur-bearing animals attracted hunters and traders.
• Trade Connections: The island became a meeting place for different cultures and the exchange of goods between the north and the south.

The early economy was built primarily on marine fishing and hunting. The cultural landscape was formed under the influence of Ainu traditions, which coexisted harmoniously with the harsh nature. Later, with the arrival of expeditions, trading posts and military outposts began to appear here, becoming the prototype for modern settlements.

• 1643 — Iturup Island is mapped on European charts for the first time thanks to the expedition of the Dutch navigator Maarten Gerritsz Vries.
• 18th Century — The beginning of active contacts between Russian Cossacks and Japanese traders, and the creation of the first temporary settlements and trading posts.
• 1855 — The Treaty of Shimoda is signed, becoming the first diplomatic agreement to define the status of the islands of the Kuril Ridge.
• 1945 — During the Kuril landing operation, Soviet troops landed on the island, marking the end of military actions in the region.
• 1946 — The South Sakhalin Oblast is formed, and the island is included in its administrative boundaries.
• 1947 — The settlement of Syana receives city status and its modern name—Kurilsk.
• 1958 — A powerful earthquake occurs near the island, becoming one of the largest seismic events in the region's history.
• 2014 — The new all-weather "Iturup" airport is put into operation, significantly increasing transport accessibility and aviation safety.

The development of the infrastructure of Iturup Island and its administrative centre, the city of Kurilsk, is inextricably linked with the development of natural resources and the desire to improve the quality of life in this unique region of Russia. The modern appearance of the territory was formed thanks to a number of key transformations affecting the economy, transport, and the social sphere.

Here are the main milestones that determined the vector of development for the city and adjacent settlements:

• Creation of a high-tech fish processing cluster. The construction and modernisation of factories in Reidovo and Kitovy allowed for a transition from seasonal fishing to deep year-round processing of bio-resources. This became the economic foundation of the district, ensuring stable employment for the population.
• Energy transition to geothermal sources. The launch and operation of the "Okeanskaya" Geothermal Power Plant at the foot of the Baransky Volcano marked the beginning of the use of renewable energy. This strategically important decision reduced the island's dependence on imported diesel fuel.
• Opening of "Iturup" Airport (2014). The commissioning of the first air harbour in post-Soviet history built from scratch was a revolution in transport accessibility. Its location in a zone with a favourable microclimate allowed for the minimisation of weather-related flight delays and opened the island to mass tourism.
• Construction of a deep-water pier in Kitovy Bay. The appearance of modern port infrastructure made it possible to receive cargo and passenger ships directly at the pier. Moving away from the complex barge transfer of passengers and unloading of goods radically increased the reliability of maritime communication.
• Asphalting of key highways. A large-scale programme for laying hard surfaces on roads connecting Kurilsk, the airport, and settlements, as well as the improvement of city streets, brought transport comfort to a qualitatively new level, changing the external appearance of the settlements.
• Launch of next-generation social facilities. The opening of the "Kasatka" sports and health complex, new schools, and a house of culture became an important stage in urban planning. These transformations made the urban environment more modern and convenient for family life.
• Improvement of tourist zones. The reconstruction of thermal complexes (for example, "Vannochki") and the creation of observation decks turned wild natural attractions into civilised places for recreation, contributing to the growth of tourist flow and the development of the service sector.

The architectural appearance of Iturup Island and its administrative centre, the city of Kurilsk, is formed not so much by aesthetic pursuits as by the harsh climatic conditions and seismic activity of the region. It is difficult to distinguish classic styles like Baroque or Art Nouveau in their usual sense here; urban planning on the island has always been subject to the principles of survival, functionality, and safety.

The history of development can be divided into several key stages, each reflecting the spirit of its time:

• Karafuto Period (until 1945). Characterised by traditional Japanese wooden architecture adapted to frequent earthquakes. Buildings were erected without nails, using flexible structures. Only a few fragments of foundations and remnants of engineering structures, hidden in the landscape, have survived to this day.
• Soviet Period (1946–1990s). An era of utilitarian functionalism. In the post-war years, the priority was rapid restoration and the creation of military and industrial infrastructure. The development consisted mainly of standard wooden barracks and low-rise panel houses devoid of decoration. This was a style dictated by necessity and a shortage of materials.
• Modern Stage (from the 2000s). A period of comprehensive renovation and technology. Within the framework of federal programmes, Russia began a large-scale modernisation of the island. Greyness was replaced by modern composite materials resistant to sea salt and winds.

Today's appearance of Kurilsk and its surroundings is defined by bright colour schemes and new public spaces. To compensate for frequent fogs and a lack of sunlight, the facades of residential buildings and schools are painted in saturated orange, blue, and green tones, creating a unique, cheerful atmosphere in the city.

Among the iconic structures shaping the modern view of the island, one can highlight:

• "Iturup" Airport — an example of modern transport architecture, combining strict geometric forms with high requirements for seismic resistance.
• Residential districts of Kurilsk — compact low-rise developments with landscaped courtyards, which have replaced the dilapidated housing stock.
• Recreational complex "Vannochki" — an example of integrating tourism infrastructure into the natural landscape, where modern structures harmonise with the wild nature of the coast.

The fate of Iturup Island is intertwined with the names of brave navigators, diplomats, and military commanders. These people of different eras and nationalities made an invaluable contribution to the discovery, study, and development of this unique territory, shaping its historical identity.

• Maarten Gerritsz Vries — Dutch navigator and cartographer.
  The discoverer of the island for European science. In 1643, commanding the ship "Castricum," he was the first to map the outlines of the shores. Vries gave this land the name "Staten Landt" (Island of States), mistakenly considering it the tip of the American continent, but his navigational data served as a guide for sailors for over a hundred years.
• Ivan Petrovich Kozyrevsky — Cossack Ataman and explorer.
  One of the first researchers to compile a detailed description of the Kuril Ridge for Russia. In 1713, he visited the islands, studied the way of life of the indigenous Ainu people, and facilitated the establishment of the first state contacts, laying the foundation for further Russian presence in the region.
• Kondo Juzo — Japanese explorer and official.
  A key figure in the period of active development in the late 18th century. He was engaged in developing infrastructure, building roads, and creating fishing posts. He is known for installing a commemorative pillar on the island marking the boundaries of influence and facilitating the island's integration into the trading system of the East.
• Nikolai Alexandrovich Khvostov — Lieutenant of the Russian Fleet.
  The legendary commander of the ship "Juno," who became the prototype for heroes of adventure novels. At the beginning of the 19th century, together with Midshipman Gavriil Davydov, he undertook an expedition to the shores of Iturup to protect state interests. Their decisive actions accelerated the diplomatic resolution of the border issue.
• Yevfimiy Vasilyevich Putyatin — Admiral and diplomat.
  A statesman whose signature is on the Treaty of Shimoda of 1855. This agreement became the first official document delimiting the possessions of the two empires and defining the status of the Southern Kurils for many years, which was of colossal importance for the diplomatic history of the Pacific region.
• Alexei Romanovich Gnechko — Major General.
  Commander of the Kuril landing operation in August-September 1945. Under his tactical leadership, a highly complex troop landing was carried out, culminating in the successful completion of assigned tasks and the transfer of the islands to the control of the USSR. His name is immortalised in the name of one of the villages on the island.