Tomsk history

The history of Tomsk is a chronicle of the transformation of a small military fortress into one of the most important scientific, educational, and cultural centres of Siberia. Founded at the crossroads of trade routes, the city eventually earned the unofficial title of the "Siberian Athens".

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city began in 1604 by decree of Tsar Boris Godunov. The occasion was an appeal by Prince Toyan of the local Eushta Tatar tribe, who requested that his people be taken under the protection of the Tsardom of Russia and that a fortress be built to defend against nomadic raids. A detachment of Cossacks led by Gavrila Pisemsky and Vasily Tyrkov founded the Tomsk Ostrog (fortress) on the high bank of the Tom River, on Voskresenskaya Hill. This date is considered the year of the city's foundation. Initially, Tomsk served an exclusively military function, successfully repelling attacks throughout the 17th century.

Key Development Factors

The growth and development of Tomsk were driven by several key factors that determined its destiny for centuries to come:

• Geographical Location: Its location on the full-flowing Tom River, which flows into the Ob, provided convenient waterways for communication with other Siberian territories.
• Trade and Transport: With the laying of the Siberian Tract in the 18th century—the main land artery connecting Moscow with Siberia and China—Tomsk turned into a vital hub of transit trade. The city became a centre for the coaching service (yam), and merchants, crafts, and goods warehousing flourished here.
• Administrative Status: In 1804, Tomsk became the capital of the vast Tomsk Governorate, stretching from the Kazakh steppes to the Yenisei, which strengthened its political and economic influence in the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Tomsk was built on trade, crafts, and transportation. In the 19th century, a powerful impulse for development was provided by the "Gold Rush" that swept through Siberia, leading to rapid growth in population and capital. However, the turning point in the city's history was a cultural, not an economic, event. In 1878, Emperor Alexander II signed a decree establishing the first Imperial University in Siberia in Tomsk. Its opening in 1888 turned Tomsk into the main educational and scientific centre beyond the Urals. The appearance of the university and the subsequent opening of other educational institutions formed a unique intellectual atmosphere, which remains the city's calling card today.

Key Milestones in the History of Tomsk

• 1604 — By decree of Tsar Boris Godunov, the Tomsk Ostrog is founded to protect the lands of the local Prince Toyan, who had accepted Russian citizenship.
• 1629 — Tomsk becomes the administrative centre of the vast Tomsk Razryad (military district), strengthening its military-strategic status in Siberia.
• 1730s — The Siberian Tract passes through the city, turning Tomsk into an important hub for transit trade and the coaching service.
• 1804 — Tomsk receives the status of the capital of the newly formed Tomsk Governorate, one of the largest in the Russian Empire.
• 1830s — The beginning of the Siberian "Gold Rush" gives a powerful impetus to the city's economic and demographic growth.
• 1878 — Emperor Alexander II signs a decree on the establishment of the first Imperial University in Siberia in Tomsk.
• 1888 — The solemn opening of the Imperial Tomsk University takes place, securing the city's fame as the "Siberian Athens".
• 1896 — The Technological Institute of Practical Engineers (now Tomsk Polytechnic University) is founded, the first technical university beyond the Urals.
• Late 19th century — The Trans-Siberian Railway is laid bypassing Tomsk, which slowed its economic development compared to other Siberian cities.
• 1919 — During the Civil War, Soviet power is finally established in Tomsk.
• 1925 — Tomsk loses its status as a governorate centre and becomes part of the Siberian Territory (later — West Siberian).
• 1941–1945 — During the Great Patriotic War (WWII), the city receives about 30 evacuated enterprises, which become the basis of its new industry.
• 1944 — By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Tomsk Oblast is formed, and Tomsk once again becomes a regional centre.
• 1966 — The oil and gas production department "Tomskneft" is created, marking the beginning of the development of the region's oil wealth.

Key Stages of Tomsk's Development

• Construction of the Siberian Tract (18th Century): The transformation of Tomsk from a military fortress into a key hub of transit trade and coaching service. This contributed to the rapid growth of the merchant class and crafts, making the city an important economic centre on the route from the European part of Russia to Asia.
• Governorate Capital Status (1804): Tomsk became the administrative centre of the huge Tomsk Governorate, which strengthened its political and economic influence. This status promoted urban development and the attraction of officials and capital.
• "Gold Rush" (1830s): The discovery of gold deposits in Siberia gave a powerful impulse to the city's economy. Capital and people flocked to Tomsk, leading to active stone construction and the further prosperity of the merchants.
• Opening of the Imperial University (1888): This event was a turning point in the city's history, determining its future as a leading scientific and educational centre. The founding of the first university in Siberia secured Tomsk the unofficial title of the "Siberian Athens".
• Construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway Bypass (Late 19th Century): The decision to lay the Trans-Siberian Railway south of Tomsk slowed its economic growth. The city, finding itself away from the main transport artery, began to yield in development to new centres such as Novonikolaevsk (now Novosibirsk).
• Industrialisation during WWII (1941–1945): The evacuation to Tomsk of about 30 industrial enterprises from the European part of the USSR radically changed the city's economic profile. It transformed from a trade and educational hub into a major industrial centre, laying the foundation for its post-war development.
• Creation of the Oil and Gas Complex (1960s): The discovery and commencement of the development of oil and gas fields in the region, as well as the founding of the "Tomskneft" enterprise in 1966, defined the modern economy of Tomsk. The city became the centre of one of the country's key oil-producing provinces.

The architectural appearance of Tomsk is a unique combination of the severity of a Siberian city and the elegance of capital styles, reflecting its rich history. From wooden fortress walls to monumental Soviet buildings, the city is a living open-air museum where every era has left its mark. Tomsk owes its special fame to its wooden architecture, known as "Tomsk lace".

Siberian Baroque (18th Century)

The first stone buildings in Tomsk appeared in the 18th century, and these were temples built in the style of Siberian Baroque. This style, which arose under the influence of Russian and Ukrainian Baroque, as well as the traditions of local wooden architecture, was distinguished by the lavishness of its decor and a complex, upward-soaring composition. The brightest example of this period is the Voskresenskaya Church (Church of the Resurrection), erected on the hill of the same name and becoming one of the first stone symbols of the city.

Classicism (First Half of the 19th Century)

In 1804, Tomsk became the centre of a huge governorate, which required development appropriate to its status. The leading style of the era became Classicism with its strict, symmetrical forms and restrained decor inspired by ancient examples. Administrative buildings, educational institutions, and mansions were erected according to standard designs sent from St. Petersburg. This style was embodied in the buildings of the Governorate Board (now the Siberian Physico-Technical Institute) and the Governor's House (today the House of Scientists). Classical motifs also penetrated wooden architecture, where log houses were sheathed with boards imitating masonry, and facades were decorated with porticoes and mezzanines.

Eclecticism and Art Nouveau (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

This period became the golden age for Tomsk architecture. The economic boom associated with the "Gold Rush" and the development of the merchant class led to a construction boom. Eclecticism reigned in architecture—a mixture of different styles, from Gothic to Renaissance.

A special place was taken by Art Nouveau (Modern Style), which found a unique embodiment in Tomsk in both stone and wood. It was at this time that the famous "wooden lace" appeared—mansions richly decorated with carvings, combining elements of Art Nouveau, the Russian style, and the fantasy of local craftsmen. Iconic buildings of this era include:

• Wooden Mansions: The "House with a Tent Roof" (mansion of architect S. V. Khomich), the "House with Firebirds" (estate of L. Zhelyabo), and the mansion of architect A. D. Kryachkov, which today houses the Museum of Wooden Architecture.
• Stone Buildings: The main buildings of Tomsk State and Polytechnic Universities, the luxurious "Vtorov Passage" (now the "1000 Melochey" store), and the revenue house of the merchant Golovanov.

Soviet Period (1920s – 1980s)

Post-revolutionary architecture brought new styles to Tomsk. In the 1920s and 1930s, buildings appeared in the style of Constructivism, characterised by strict geometric forms and functionality. From the mid-1930s, it was replaced by the monumental Stalinist Empire style, glorifying the greatness of the era. Vivid examples of this style can be found on Lenin Avenue, for example, Building 10 of TPU, and on Kirov Avenue, where the FSB building was constructed. From the 1960s, the city began to be built up in the spirit of Soviet Modernism—functional buildings made of glass and concrete, such as the Hotel "Tomsk", the bus station, and the Grand Concert Hall of the Philharmonic.

Postmodernism and Modernity (Late 20th – 21st Century)

At the turn of the century, Postmodernism spread in Tomsk, as in all of Russia, characterised by the free quoting of historical styles and play with forms. Modern construction strives to fit harmoniously into the historical context, preserving the unique architectural code of the city formed over centuries.

Prominent Figures Associated with Tomsk

Over its centuries-old history, Tomsk has become the birthplace or an important centre of activity for many outstanding scientists, artists, and engineers. The city's intellectual environment, established with the opening of the first university in Siberia, contributed to the formation of entire scientific schools and creative directions.

• Grigory Potanin (1835–1920) — Geographer, ethnographer, and explorer of Central Asia. One of the founders and ideologists of Siberian regionalism. Although Potanin was not born in Tomsk, he lived here in his later years and was one of the leaders of the city's intellectual elite, considering it his home.
• Dmitri Mendeleev (1834–1907) — The great chemist and creator of the Periodic Table of Elements. Mendeleev took an active part in developing the project for the Tomsk Technological Institute and advised on the development of the region's industry. In 1904, he was elected an honorary member of Tomsk University.
• Andrey Kryachkov (1876–1950) — An outstanding architect whose works in the Art Nouveau and Constructivist styles largely determined the appearance of Siberian cities in the early 20th century. In Tomsk, iconic buildings were built according to his designs, including his own mansion (now the Museum of Wooden Architecture) and the Scientific Library of Tomsk University.
• Vladimir Obruchev (1863–1956) — Geologist, paleontologist, geographer, and science fiction writer. From 1901 to 1912, he was a professor and the first dean of the mining department of the Tomsk Technological Institute. It was in Tomsk that he began writing his famous novels "Plutonia" and "Sannikov Land".
• Nikolay Burdenko (1876–1946) — One of the founders of neurosurgery in Russia and an academician. He began his medical education at Tomsk University but was expelled for participating in student unrest. His work in the field of military field surgery laid the foundations of modern medicine.
• Nikolay Kamov (1902–1973) and Mikhail Mil (1909–1970) — Legendary aircraft designers and creators of the "Ka" and "Mi" helicopter series. During the Great Patriotic War, both were evacuated to Tomsk, where they worked on the creation and improvement of combat aircraft based at local enterprises.
• Edison Denisov (1929–1996) — Composer and one of the leaders of the Soviet musical avant-garde. Born in Tomsk, he graduated from the music college and the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of TSU here. Tomsk became the starting point in his world-class musical career.
• Nikolay Rukavishnikov (1932–2002) — Pilot-cosmonaut of the USSR and twice Hero of the Soviet Union. Born in Tomsk, he is an honorary citizen of the city. He completed three space flights, becoming the first civilian spacecraft commander in the history of Soviet cosmonautics.