In almost all cases, Maykop's description begins with a dry statement that this city is the administrative center of Adygea, one of the North Caucasian republics. At first glance, it does not stand out among other cities located in the Krasnodar Territory. Therefore, many do not know about Maykop where it is and what kind of people live there.
The story of Maykop and the Adyghe people
The officially recognized date of the founding of Maykop is 1857. At first, the Russian military built a fortification that fulfills important strategic tasks in the North Caucasus region. Although in reality the history of the city exceeds 5 thousand years.
The roots of the Adyghe people go far into history, which not every contemporary guesses. The territory of Adygea from the 7th to the 10th centuries served as one of the links in the trade chain of the thousand-kilometer Great Silk Road connecting the East with the West.
Historical sources reveal one fact dating from the 12th century. It can be considered as almost the very first mention of the North Caucasian people. Through the slave markets of Adygea people fell into Egypt, where they stayed as slaves. Of the Adyghe men, a Mamluk guard was created - the elite troops of the Sultan. In the middle of the XIII the highest military ranks of the Mamluks organized a coup in Egypt, as a result of which the power passed to the Circassian dynasty. Adygea suffered many changes. The republic belonged to many, but nevertheless did not lose its color.
Development after the 16th century
In the middle of the 16th century, the city of Temryuk arose on the Taman Peninsula (modern Kuban). The name is associated with the name of the founder, i.e. Kabardian prince Temryuk Idarov. The following year, Tsar Ivan the Terrible took his daughter as his wife. The result of such a marriage was the entry of Taman into the Russian kingdom.
Among Russian high-ranking officials, including the military, there were many immigrants from Adygea, whose role in the development of the country during the XV-XVII centuries can hardly be overestimated. Their warlords fought heroically, defending the honor of Russia on the battlefields.
The war that broke out in the Caucasus between the Russians and the Circassians forced the indigenous population to leave their native lands en masse, to seek refuge in the neighboring empire of the Ottoman Turks. Adygea is a strong and wayward republic, so the people were not going to just give up.
Near the modern Adyghe capital, about seventy unique objects of historical value have been preserved. Among them are many famous mounds. As a result of a thorough study of the mound called Oshad (1897), a huge number of artifacts were discovered. Ancient jewelry made of gold and silver, found at the excavation site, subsequently became exhibits of the Hermitage of the Kuban Gold collection.
How to get to Maykop from Moscow by plane?
To get to Maykop from Moscow, you have to overcome 1670 km. The northern capital with the city is shared by an even greater distance - 2349 km. If anyone decides to visit Maykop (a map of Russia will help assess the mileage), you should not count on air transport, since there is no direct air service to the city. Several options are offered.
Using one of the flights operated by the airports of the capital (Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo or Vnukovo), you need to fly to Krasnodar. From there already, as they say, is at hand. Just some 160 km. In Krasnodar, there is a stop of the Airport shuttle taxi. Minibus at number 53 will deliver to the station "Bus Station". In total, the trip will take four and a half hours. Most Russian citizens do not know about Maykop. "Where is it?" - A frequent question asked by residents of the Moscow region.
To Maykop by land
The railway connects both capitals only with Krasnodar. Having bought a ticket for a long-distance train, you need to go to the station Krasnodar-1. Next, change to bus number 45, which will bring to the stop “Central Square”. If everything goes well, there will be no traffic jams and traffic jams in the second stage, then the passenger will arrive in Maykop from the Moscow railway station in almost 23 hours. Very hospitable all of Adygea. G. Maykop is famous for its traditions and rites.
Many prefer a bus ride due to lack of transfers. If you are lucky enough to buy a ticket for one of the two Moscow-Cherkessk flights that run buses from the Krasnogvardeiskaya metro station every day, then the destination is Maykop. Bus station ”can be reached after 22 hours 40 minutes. Passengers are also offered a Moscow-Maykop flight. To do this, you will need to drive up to the shopping center "Moscow".
Traveling by car is considered not only the most interesting, but also the most convenient. To Maykop is the highway M4 "Don". Although it will take almost a day, on the way you can get acquainted with the sights of Novomoskovsk, Voronezh, Rostov-on-Don. The route will be more informative if you choose an alternative route through the regional historical centers of Ryazan, Tambov, Borisoglebsk. Going to Maykop, where it is, it is worth identifying immediately so as not to get into an awkward situation.
Sights of Maykop
“Valley of wild apple trees” - this is how the literal translation of the name of the area from the language of the Adygs sounds. In its meaning lies the meaning of how beautiful and diverse the region is. The city of Maykop is fragrant with the splendor of flowers, greenery. From the windows of houses on a clear day you can admire the mountain scenery with snow-capped peaks.
The city has objects that can not be visited. Among them is a city park. Here, not only children, but also adults have the opportunity to swim in the pools, which is very helpful. After all, the Belaya River, on the banks of which the capital of Adygea is located, is not suitable for mass bathing due to the fact that it constantly has very cold water.
Nature and hospitals
Many attractions created by nature are located in the vicinity of Maykop. During excursions, tourists admire the indescribable beauty of waterfalls, grandiose dolmens, visit caves, mountain plateaus, archaeological sites , etc.
The village of Pobeda is known for a wonderful clinic with balneotherapy, located near recreation centers. Mountains attract climbers and paragliders, and mountain rivers - lovers of the extreme sport, which is usually called rafting. To everything else, it is impossible to convey in words how pure and healing the air of the Caucasus Mountains is! You will surely enjoy Maykop. Where it is and in what part of Russia it is, now you can imagine.