Keperveyem history

Located in the harsh conditions of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Keperveyem represents a vivid example of a settlement born during the era of industrial development of the North. Its name, derived from the Chukchi language, translates as "river of wolverines," which reflects the wild and pristine character of the surrounding nature.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the settlement does not span centuries; it began in the first half of the 20th century, during the period of active exploration of the Arctic. Keperveyem did not arise as a spontaneous settlement, but as a strategically important point. The official milestone in the history of the place is considered to be the creation of aviation infrastructure. It was the construction of the airfield that became the starting point, turning a temporary stop into a permanent settlement through which Russia ensured communication with hard-to-reach areas of the region.

Key Development Factors

The development of Keperveyem was determined by a combination of geographical and economic factors that made it an indispensable transport hub:

• Aviation Hub: The main driver of growth was the need for air communication for the city of Bilibino. Due to the terrain features, it was in the Keperveyem river valley that a reliable runway could be built.
• Geological Surveys: The settlement became a support base for geologists exploring the rich subsoil of Western Chukotka, in particular, gold deposits.
• Logistics: Cargo and specialists necessary for the construction and functioning of industrial facilities in the district passed through this settlement.

Early Life Characteristics

From the very beginning, the economy and way of life here were subordinated to the rhythm of the airport and expeditions. In the early years, Keperveyem was a classic settlement of North explorers, where pilots, technicians, meteorologists, and geologists lived. The cultural environment was formed around the professional brotherhood of people working in extreme climatic conditions, where mutual assistance and professionalism were the main values.

Early History and Formation

• 1934 — The official date of the formation of the settlement, which later became an important transport hub in the north-east of the country (Russia).
• 1947 — Transfer of the central estate of the "Vpered" collective farm to the river bank, where the modern village of Keperveyem was finally formed.

Development of Aviation and Infrastructure

• 1963 — A landmark event for the transport accessibility of the district: an An-24 aircraft landed on the dirt strip for the first time.
• 1964 — Construction of the first air terminal building, necessary to service the growing flow of passengers and cargo.
• 1970 — The beginning of large-scale work on the construction of a new runway and the start of regular small aviation flights.
• 1972 — Expansion of the airfield's capabilities, allowing it to receive larger aircraft types such as the An-12 and Yak-40.
• 1975 — Completion of the formation of the main airport complex and the transfer of the Bilibino aviation detachment to the settlement.

Modern Stage

• 2008 — Major renovation of the air terminal building and complete replacement of lighting equipment at the airfield.
• 2010 — Administrative reform, as a result of which the settlement became part of the urban settlement of Bilibino.
• 2025 — Construction and commissioning of a new comfortable passenger terminal with a capacity of 50 people per hour.

Stages of Formation and Development

The history of the village of Keperveyem is a journey from a small reindeer herders' stop to a key transport hub, without which it is impossible to imagine the economy of Western Chukotka. The development of the settlement went hand in hand with the industrial development of the region, and each stage left a noticeable mark on its appearance.

• Transition to Sedentary Life and Collectivisation (1930–1940s).
  The creation of the "Vpered" collective farm and the transfer of its central estate to the river bank became a city-forming factor. This event marked the beginning of permanent residence of people in this area, the formation of the first streets, and the appearance of basic social infrastructure for reindeer herders and hunters.
• Choosing a Place for the "Air Gates" (1960s).
  Due to the complex terrain of the neighbouring city of Bilibino, the Keperveyem valley was chosen for the construction of the airfield. This decision predetermined the economic fate of the village, turning it into the main logistics hub of the district, through which Russia supplies its north-eastern territories.
• Era of "Big Aviation" (1970s).
  The modernisation of the runway allowed for the reception of heavy transport and passenger aircraft (An-12, Yak-40). This radically improved the supply of the region with food and equipment, as well as simplified passenger communication with the "mainland".
• Construction of the Aviators' Settlement (1970–1980s).
  Following the development of the airport, a housing construction boom began. The appearance of apartment buildings, a school, a kindergarten, and a cultural centre formed the modern look of the village, creating comfortable conditions for aviation specialists and their families.
• Logistical Support for Bilibino NPP.
  Keperveyem played a critical role in the construction and operation of the nuclear power plant in neighbouring Bilibino. It was through the local airport that unique equipment and nuclear specialists were delivered, which contributed to the industrial breakthrough of the entire district.
• Administrative Integration (2010s).
  The inclusion of the village into the urban settlement of Bilibino allowed for the optimisation of resource and budget management. This unification strengthened the ties between the "satellite city" and the airport, creating a single economic space.
• Large-scale Renovation of the Air Complex (2020s).
  The construction of a new, modern air terminal building and the renewal of the technical equipment of the airfield became a symbol of a second wind for the settlement. This increased passenger comfort and flight safety, confirming the status of the village as a strategically important object of the Arctic transport network.

The architectural appearance of the village of Keperveyem cannot boast the splendour of Baroque or the grandeur of Gothic. It is a classic example of harsh northern urbanism, where aesthetics are completely subordinated to function and extreme climatic conditions. The development of the settlement clearly demonstrates how Russia developed the Arctic in the second half of the 20th century: from temporary wooden structures to capital construction on permafrost.

Soviet Functionalism and "Northern Design"

The main architectural style of the settlement can be described as Soviet industrial functionalism. Buildings here are devoid of decorative excesses; their form is dictated by the need to preserve heat and protect against winds. Residential development was formed mainly in the 1960–1980s, which corresponds to the era of late Soviet modernism, adapted for the Far North.

• Pile Foundations: The main structural feature of all capital buildings. To prevent heat from the buildings from melting the permafrost, houses are "raised" above the ground on reinforced concrete piles, forming a ventilated underground space.
• Compact Volumes: Residential houses (mainly two- and three-storey) have a simple rectangular shape with a minimum of protrusions to reduce the surface area through which heat escapes.
• Panel and Block Construction: The use of standard series designed specifically for northern latitudes, with thickened walls and triple glazing.

Urban Structure and Zoning

The layout of Keperveyem is linear and strictly hierarchical, which is typical for settlements that arose near large industrial or transport facilities. Development proceeded along the main transport artery and the river, creating a clear division into functional zones.

Landmarks and Modernity

The airport complex has always been the architectural dominant of the settlement. Its evolution reflects the change of eras in construction:

• Soviet Period: The old air terminal building represented a typical example of service architecture of the mid-20th century — a utilitarian, durable, but modest structure.
• Modern Stage: The new passenger terminal, commissioned in recent years, demonstrates modern trends in northern construction. This involves the use of pre-fabricated modular structures, energy-efficient materials, and bright colour solutions for the façade, designed to compensate for "colour starvation" during the long winter.

The history of the village of Keperveyem is inextricably linked with the fates of people who developed this land in harsh climatic conditions. Among them are geologists who discovered the riches of the subsoil, reindeer herders who preserved the traditions of their ancestors, and leaders who built a modern settlement on permafrost.

Significant Figures in the History of the Settlement

• Konstantin Alexandrovich Ivanov
  Geologist, Lenin Prize Laureate.
  Played a key role in the industrial development of the district. In 1954, it was he who led the geological party that landed in the valley of the Keperveyem River. The result of this expedition was the discovery of large gold deposits, which gave impetus to the construction of transport infrastructure and the growth of the settlement itself.
• Ivan Grigorievich Kultyn
  Organiser of reindeer herding, recipient of the Order of the Red Banner of Labour.
  Made a significant contribution to the economic formation of the village. He was the chairman of the "Vpered" collective farm, the central estate of which was moved to the site of present-day Keperveyem in 1947. Under his leadership, scattered nomadic households united into a stable enterprise, which became the basis of life for the local population.
• Kavrakay
  Honorary reindeer herder, recipient of the Order of Lenin.
  One of the most respected representatives of indigenous peoples in the chronicles of the region. His successes in the development of traditional reindeer herding were noted at the highest state level. The name of Kavrakay is immortalised on the map of the settlement: one of the oldest streets is named in his honour.
• S. P. Mitiv
  First Chairman of the Village Council.
  A leader during the period of administrative formation of the settlement in the 1940s. He led the transition of the nomadic population to a sedentary lifestyle and oversaw the construction of the first social facilities — a school, a medical centre, and residential houses, forming the appearance of the future village.
• Ivan Ivanovich Talvavtyn
  Public Figure.
  Stood at the origins of the creation of local self-government bodies in the district. His activities contributed to the integration of the indigenous population into the new economic reality that Russia was building in its northern territories in the 20th century.