History of Ulan-Ude

The history of Ulan-Ude is a vivid example of how a small Cossack fortress, founded at a crossroads of trade routes, transformed into a major cultural and economic centre of Transbaikalia. The city has journeyed from a modest winter settlement to the capital of the republic, changing several names and absorbing the traditions of various peoples along the way.

Foundation and Early Years

The city's history began in 1666, when Russian Cossacks founded a small Udinskoye zimovye (winter shelter) on the banks of the Uda River for collecting *yasak* (tribute). The choice of location proved strategically sound, and by 1678, the Udinsky Ostrog — a fully-fledged military fortification — was built on the site of the winter settlement. By the end of the 17th century, it had become a vital point on the route to the Nerchinsk region and a storage site for caravans travelling to China. In 1775, the settlement received city status and the name Verkhneudinsk.

Key Factors of Development

The city owes its growth and development to several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position at the confluence of the Uda and Selenga rivers made the city a natural transport hub.
• Trade with the East: Verkhneudinsk became one of the most important centres on the Great Tea Road, which connected Russia with China and Mongolia. The famous Verkhneudinsk Fairs were held here, featuring lively trade in tea and other goods.
• Administrative Centre: The city gradually acquired increasing administrative significance, becoming the centre of Western Transbaikalia.

Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Verkhneudinsk was a multi-ethnic city where Russian and Buryat cultures were closely intertwined. The city's economy was firmly linked to trade, which facilitated the formation of a wealthy merchant class that left behind many beautiful stone buildings that still adorn the historical centre today. In 1934, the city was renamed and received its modern name — Ulan-Ude, which translates from the Buryat language as "Red Uda".

Chronology of Key Events

The history of Ulan-Ude is rich in events reflecting its transformation from a small Cossack winter settlement into the capital of the republic. Here are some of the most significant dates in its history.

• 1666 — The Udinskoye winter settlement is founded, marking the beginning of the future city.
• 1678 — Construction of the Udinsky Ostrog, a proper fortress, begins on the site of the winter settlement.
• 1741 — The Odigitrievsky Cathedral is founded, becoming the first stone building in the city.
• 1775 — The settlement receives official city status and the name Verkhneudinsk.
• 1780 — The famous Verkhneudinsk Fairs begin, turning the city into a major trading hub on the Tea Road.
• 1899 — The first train arrives in the city via the Trans-Siberian Railway, giving a powerful boost to its industrial development.
• 1920 — Verkhneudinsk becomes the capital of the Far Eastern Republic for several months.
• 1923 — The city is proclaimed the capital of the Buryat-Mongol ASSR.
• 1934 — Verkhneudinsk is renamed Ulan-Ude, which means "Red Uda" in Buryat.
• 1952 — The Buryat Opera and Ballet Theatre opens, becoming one of the architectural symbols of the city.
• 1971 — The famous monumental sculpture of the head of V. I. Lenin is installed on the main square.
• 1992 — Ulan-Ude becomes the capital of the Republic of Buryatia within the Russian Federation.

Key Milestones in the Development of Ulan-Ude

The history of Ulan-Ude is a sequence of landmark events, each contributing to the city's transformation from a trading centre into a modern republican capital. From merchant fairs to the industrial boom, these are the main stages that defined the city's appearance and economy.

• Trading Hub on the Great Tea Road (from the 1780s). With the commencement of the Verkhneudinsk Fairs, the city, then known as Verkhneudinsk, became one of the key trading centres of Transbaikalia. This defined its early economic development, attracted merchant capital, and contributed to the formation of the unique architectural appearance of the historical centre.
• Arrival of the Trans-Siberian Railway (1899). The appearance of the railway was a turning point in the city's history. It gave a powerful impulse to industrial growth, connecting Verkhneudinsk with the central regions of Russia and contributing to a sharp increase in its population and economic significance.
• Capital Status (1923). The proclamation of Verkhneudinsk as the capital of the Buryat-Mongol ASSR was a crucial administrative and cultural event. The city became the centre of political and public life; scientific and educational institutions were transferred here, laying the foundation for its further cultural development.
• Large-scale Industrialisation (1930s). During this period, the city, renamed Ulan-Ude in 1934, turned into a major industrial centre. The construction of giants such as the aviation and locomotive-wagon repair plants radically changed its economic structure, transforming it from a trading city into an industrial one.
• Post-war Urban Planning (1950s–1970s). In these decades, the modern architectural look of central Ulan-Ude was actively formed. Iconic buildings were constructed, such as the Buryat Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the famous monument, which became the symbol of the city, appeared on the main square.
• Centre of National Culture. Throughout its history, Ulan-Ude has been a place where different cultures met and enriched each other. In the Soviet and post-Soviet periods, it firmly established itself as the centre of Buryat culture and Buddhism in Russia, which is reflected in the appearance of new datsans (temples) and cultural centres.

The architectural appearance of Ulan-Ude is a unique combination of eras and cultures, where merchant mansions stand adjacent to monumental Soviet buildings, and traditional Buryat motifs are woven into modern developments. The city's evolution from a trading outpost to the capital of the republic is directly reflected in its streets and buildings.

Pre-Revolutionary Period: Classicism and "Siberian Baroque"

The early architectural look of the city, then Verkhneudinsk, was shaped by its status as a major trading centre on the Great Tea Road. Examples of 18th and 19th-century buildings have been preserved in the historical part.

• "Siberian Baroque": The brightest representative of this style is the Odigitrievsky Cathedral (1741–1785) — the first stone building in the city. Its lavish forms and architecture, unique for Transbaikalia, became the vertical dominant feature of old Verkhneudinsk.
• Russian Classicism: In the 19th century, merchant houses and commercial buildings in the Classicist style were actively built in the city. The central place in this ensemble is occupied by the Trading Rows (Gostinye Ryady) on Revolution Square, founded in the early 19th century and forming the city's main commercial hub.
• Wooden Architecture: A special chapter in the architectural history of Ulan-Ude is occupied by wooden architecture with its skillful carving on window frames and facades, examples of which can still be found in the historical centre.

Soviet Era: From Constructivism to Modernism

The transformation of the city into the capital of the Buryat-Mongol ASSR in 1923 and subsequent industrialisation radically changed its appearance. This period is represented by several dominant styles.

• Constructivism: In the 1930s, buildings in the spirit of the avant-garde appeared, for example, the initial project of the House of Soviets and the Palace of Culture of the Locomotive and Wagon Repair Plant.
• Stalinist Neoclassicism (Empire Style): This monumental style defined the look of central Ulan-Ude in the 1940s and 1950s. A key masterpiece is the Buryat Opera and Ballet Theatre (1952), in the decor of which Stalinist Empire style is combined with national ornaments. The ensemble of Victory Avenue (Prospekt Pobedy) and the buildings around Soviets Square are also executed in this solemn style.
• Soviet Modernism: In the 1960s–1980s, mass standard construction was carried out, but iconic objects were also created. An example is the 13-storey Hotel "Buryatia" building, constructed in 1987.

Modern Stage: National Motifs and New Forms

In the post-Soviet period, the architecture of Ulan-Ude was enriched by the revival of religious and national traditions. Buddhist datsans, such as "Rinpoche Bagsha", are being actively built and reconstructed, becoming new architectural landmarks. In commercial and residential developments, buildings in Postmodern and High-Tech styles are appearing, reflecting global architectural trends, but often utilising Buryat national motifs.

Outstanding Personalities in the City's History

Over its centuries-old history, Ulan-Ude (formerly Verkhneudinsk) has become the birthplace and place of activity for many talented people who have left a noticeable mark on science, culture, and public life. Their names are inextricably linked with the development of the city and the entire region.

• Gavrila Lovtsov and Osip Vasilyev — Cossack explorers. Considered the founders of the city, they established the Udinskoye winter settlement in 1666, which later grew into a fortress and then into the city of Verkhneudinsk.
• Dorzhi Banzarov (1822–1855) — Orientalist scholar. The first Buryat scholar to receive a European education. His works on the history, ethnography, and language of the Mongol peoples laid the foundations of Buryat Mongolian studies.
• Gombojab Tsybikov (1873–1930) — Traveller, ethnographer, and Orientalist. One of the first researchers who managed to penetrate Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, disguised as a pilgrim, and take unique photographs and descriptions. His activities made a huge contribution to the study of Central Asia.
• Khotsa Namsaraev (1889–1959) — Writer and playwright. Considered the founder of Buryat Soviet literature. His works, translated into many languages, describe the life and customs of the Buryat people during critical historical eras.
• Isay Kalashnikov (1931–1980) — Writer. Author of the famous historical novel "The Cruel Age", dedicated to Genghis Khan, which received all-union recognition. He lived and worked in Ulan-Ude for most of his life.
• Lhasaran Linkhovoin (1924–1980) — Opera singer (bass). People's Artist of the USSR, soloist of the Buryat Opera and Ballet Theatre. His powerful voice and artistry brought him fame far beyond the borders of the republic.
• Larisa Sakhyanova (1930–2001) — Ballerina. People's Artist of the USSR, prima ballerina of the Buryat Opera and Ballet Theatre. Her name became a symbol of Buryat ballet art.
• Dashi Namdakov (born 1967) — Sculptor, artist, jeweller. A world-renowned master whose works, based on Buryat mythology and nomad culture, are exhibited in major museums around the world. He is an honorary citizen of Ulan-Ude.