Izhevsk history

The history of Izhevsk is a classic example of a factory-town, whose destiny has been inextricably linked with industrial development for centuries. Emerging as a small workers' settlement, it transformed into a major industrial and cultural centre.

The foundation and first mentions of the city are connected with the industrial development of the Ural region. The official founding date of Izhevsk is considered to be 10 April 1760. On this day, by the order of Count Pyotr Shuvalov, the construction of a dam and an ironworks began on the Izh River. A settlement formed around this industrial facility, initially named Izhevsky Zavod (Izhevsk Plant). The first bloomery iron was produced here as early as 1763.

Key factors of formation were determined almost immediately. Initially an ironworks, in 1807, by a decree of Emperor Alexander I, an arms factory was founded here. This decision predetermined the city's specialisation for many decades to come. Development was also facilitated by its geographical location: its position on the Izh River provided the factory with necessary energy, while proximity to Ural deposits and access to waterways via the Kama River aided logistics. State support played an important role, as factories were often under treasury management and fulfilled vital defence orders, contributing to their stable growth.

Early economy and culture of the settlement were entirely subordinated to the factory rhythm. The population consisted mainly of peasants and craftsmen assigned to the factory. The economy was wholly oriented towards iron production, and later, the manufacture of weapons. The Izhevsk plant quickly became one of the key suppliers for the Russian army, producing various types of small arms and cold weapons. The settlement of Izhevsky Zavod received city status in February 1918.

Key Milestones in the History of Izhevsk

The history of Izhevsk is a journey from a factory settlement to a major industrial centre and the capital of the republic. Below are the main events that shaped the appearance and destiny of the city.

• 10 April 1760 — Considered the official founding date, when the construction of a dam and ironworks began on the Izh River by decree of Count P. I. Shuvalov.
• 27 June 1774 — The factory and settlement were captured by the troops of Yemelyan Pugachev, resulting in the execution of the factory management and partial destruction of the enterprise.
• 10 June 1807 — By decree of Emperor Alexander I, the Izhevsk Arms Factory was founded on the basis of the ironworks, defining the city's "arms" specialisation for centuries.
• 1809 — Architect S. E. Dudin developed the first general plan for the future city, which determined its architectural appearance for a long time.
• 21 February 1918 — The settlement of Izhevsky Zavod was transformed into the city of Izhevsk by the decision of the local Council of Workers', Peasants', and Soldiers' Deputies.
• 10 June 1921 — Izhevsk was proclaimed the administrative centre of the Votskaya Autonomous Oblast, raising its status.
• 28 December 1934 — The city received the status of the capital of the Udmurt ASSR after the transformation of the autonomous oblast into a republic.
• 18 November 1935 — Tram traffic was launched in Izhevsk, becoming an important step in the development of urban infrastructure.
• 1948 — Serial production of the Kalashnikov assault rifle (AK-47) began at the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant ("Izhmash").
• 12 December 1966 — The first Izhevsk automobile, the "Moskvich-408", rolled off the assembly line, marking the beginning of the automotive industry in the city.
• 11 December 1978 — For great merits in economic and cultural construction, Izhevsk was awarded the Order of the October Revolution.
• 27 December 1984 — The city was renamed Ustinov in memory of the USSR Minister of Defence D. F. Ustinov.
• 19 June 1987 — After numerous appeals from residents, the city was returned its historical name — Izhevsk.

Main Stages of City Development

The development of Izhevsk is a story of successive transformations that turned a factory settlement into a republican capital and a major industrial hub. Here are the key milestones that defined its modern appearance.

• Foundation of the Ironworks (1760). The construction of a dam and factory on the Izh River by order of Count P. I. Shuvalov laid the industrial foundation of the city. This event predetermined the urban planning model of a "factory-city," where all life was centred around production.
• Creation of the Arms Factory (1807). Emperor Alexander I's decree to create arms production based on the existing enterprise became a turning point in the history of Izhevsk. This defined its economic specialisation and status as the "Armoury Capital" of Russia for two centuries to come.
• Approval of the First General Plan (1809). Architect S. E. Dudin developed a general development plan based on the principles of Classicism. His rectangular street grid still underlies the historic centre, defining its harmonious and functional look.
• Obtaining Capital Status (1921–1934). First, Izhevsk became the centre of the Votskaya Autonomous Oblast, and then the capital of the Udmurt ASSR. This new administrative status gave a powerful impetus to the development of cultural, educational, and social infrastructure.
• Launch of Kalashnikov Production (from 1948). The start of serial production of the legendary AK-47 at the "Izhmash" plant not only strengthened the city's defence significance but also made Izhevsk weaponry a globally renowned brand.
• Beginning of the Automotive Industry (1966). The release of the first "Moskvich-408" car marked an important stage in diversifying the urban economy. This led to the emergence of a new industrial giant — "IzhAvto" — and opened a new page in the industrial history of Izhevsk.
• Return of the Historical Name (1987). After a brief period (from 1984 to 1987) when the city bore the name Ustinov, its historical name, Izhevsk, was returned. This event became an important cultural and public act, emphasising the city's historical identity and the will of its residents.

The architectural appearance of Izhevsk is a visual chronicle of its history, from a factory-city planned according to the canons of Classicism to a republican capital with monumental Soviet buildings and modern structures. Each stage of development has left its mark on the city streets.

Classicism and Industrial Aesthetics (Late 18th – 19th Century)

The foundation of Izhevsk's urban structure was laid in 1809 by architect S. E. Dudin. His general plan, executed in the traditions of Russian Classicism, defined the look of the historic centre. The rectangular street grid and clear functional zoning (factory, administration, residential quarters) are still readable in the city's layout. This period gifted Izhevsk its main architectural symbols:

• Main Corps of the Arms Factory (1808–1843) — An outstanding monument of industrial architecture of Russian Classicism, crowned with a famous tower that became the city's calling card.
• The Arsenal (1823–1825) — Another creation by S. E. Dudin, a strict and monumental building originally intended for storing weapons. Today, it houses the National Museum of the Udmurt Republic.
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (1823) — A cathedral built according to the design of architect A. D. Zakharov, representing a vivid example of High Classicism in temple architecture.

The Soviet Era: From Avant-Garde to Modernism

In the 20th century, especially after receiving capital status, Izhevsk's architecture went through several bright stages.

• Constructivism and Functionalism (1920–1930s). This period is characterised by the construction of the first multi-apartment brick houses and public buildings with concise forms and an emphasis on function. So-called "communal houses" appeared, and the Sotsgorod (Socialist City) area was developed.
• Stalinist Empire (1930–1950s). This monumental and solemn style was reflected in the development of central streets, such as Sovetskaya Street. These buildings, with their stucco moulding, high ceilings, and often belvedere towers, symbolised the city's new capital status.
• Soviet Modernism (1960–1980s). An era of mass housing construction that gave the city typical panel micro-districts. At the same time, unique public buildings were created, such as the State Opera and Ballet Theatre, which became one of the republic's cultural centres.

Modern Period (since the 1990s)

Post-Soviet architecture in Izhevsk is distinguished by diversity: from large shopping and entertainment centres and modern residential complexes to the careful reconstruction of historical monuments. One of the most significant events was the recreation in 2007 of St. Michael's Cathedral — a majestic temple destroyed in the Soviet era and restored according to historical drawings, which today serves as one of the city's main vertical landmarks.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Izhevsk

Izhevsk, known as the armoury capital of Russia and a major industrial centre, became the birthplace or workplace for many talented engineers, designers, cultural figures, and renowned athletes. Their contributions have left a significant mark not only on the history of the city but also on the entire country.

Founders and Architects

• Andrey Fyodorovich Deryabin (1770–1820) — Mining engineer and statesman, founder of the Izhevsk Arms Factory. It was his initiative and leadership in 1807 that laid the foundation for transforming a small factory settlement into one of the key centres of Russia's defence industry.
• Semyon Yemelyanovich Dudin (1779–1825) — The first professional architect of Izhevsk. Author of the city's general development plan, executed in the Classicist style. His designs led to the construction of iconic structures such as the Main Corps of the Arms Factory and the Arsenal, which define the architectural look of the historic centre to this day.

Gunsmiths and Designers

• Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov (1919–2013) — Legendary small arms designer, Hero of the Russian Federation. He lived in Izhevsk for over 60 years, working at the "Izhmash" plant, where his famous AK-47 assault rifle was created and launched into serial production.
• Yevgeny Fyodorovich Dragunov (1920–1991) — Outstanding Soviet designer, creator of the famous SVD sniper rifle. His developments, created in Izhevsk, remain in service with many armies around the world and are considered a standard of reliability and accuracy.

Cultural and Sports Figures

• Kuzebay Gerd (Kuzma Pavlovich Chaynikov, 1898–1937) — Udmurt poet, prose writer, playwright, and public figure. One of the founders of Udmurt literature, he made a huge contribution to the development of national culture and education.
• Galina Alekseyevna Kulakova (born 1942) — Renowned Soviet skier, four-time Olympic champion, and nine-time world champion. A native of Udmurtia, she became a symbol of sporting victories and an example for many generations of athletes.
• Alina Zagitova (born 2002) — Russian figure skater, 2018 Olympic champion. A pupil of the Izhevsk figure skating school, she became the first figure skater in Russian history and the second in the world to win all major titles in world figure skating.