Tula, Russia
|
Tula (Ту́ла) is an industrial city in the European part of Russia located 165 km to the south of Moscow, on the river Upa, at Template:Coor dm Population (1990): approx. 543,000.
Tula is the administrative center of Tula Oblast.
Tula has existed at least from 1146. It became a center of heavy industry, particularly the manufacture of matériel. In the 18th century, the first factory to produce samovars industrially was established there, and during the Great Patriotic War of 1941 to 1945, the city was important in production of armaments.
Tula became the target of a German offensive to break Soviet resistance in the Moscow area between 24 October and 5 December 1941. The heavily fortified city held out. In particular, Guderian's Second Panzer Army was defeated under Tula. The city secured the Southern flank during the Soviet defence of Moscow and the subsequent counter-offensive. After the War, Tula was awarded the title Hero City.
A musical instrument, the Tula accordion (тульская гармонь) is named for this city, which is a center of manufacture for such instruments sold throughout Russia and worldwide.
Template:Russia-geo-stubde:Tula (Russland) el:Τούλα ja:トゥーラ ru:Тула