Many, even fairly erudite people, may wonder about the name of the capital of South Ossetia. Although this is not surprising, given that this state has only recently been formed and recognized by far not all countries in the political arena, and, accordingly, a wide circle of people still have little information about its administrative structure. Tskhinval is the capital of South Ossetia, a city that is at the same time one of the most developed and largest.
general information
Tskhinval remained the center of the South Ossetian Autonomous Region until 1990, until it was decided to create a separate republic, the political status of which is still disputed. However, 5 states still recognize South Ossetia as an independent territory. Tskhinval is located in the southern region of the Caucasus.
City name
Now you know what the capital of South Ossetia is, but what about the different variants of the name of this city? There are two options for the name of the area. In Bulgarian, the city is called Tskhinvali, while in Russian, Tskhinval is most often used.
Short story
The existence of a village called Tskhinval was already mentioned in 1398. In the XVIII century, it was already a "royal city", which was inhabited mainly by monastic serfs. In the twentieth century, it became an important transport artery that connects several regions at once. In 1922, Tskhinval was officially recognized as the administrative center of the South Ossetian Autonomous Region. If in the first two decades of the twentieth century a lot of Jewish and Georgian people lived in the city, in 1959 the majority of the inhabitants were Ossetians.
Jewish quarter
The capital of South Ossetia is known for its ancient monuments of architecture. The Jewish Quarter stands out among other things, being in which you can visit the numerous ruins of ancient buildings, synagogues, the remains of merchant mansions. Despite the fact that after a military confrontation with Russia in 2008, a large part of the Jewish population left the area, this part of the Old City still gives tourists an idea of how they lived here several decades ago, because practically nothing has changed here.
In the south of the Jewish quarter there is an ancient Georgian church, which eleven centuries ago was collected from river stone, and now, although it has fallen into decay, it still impresses visitors.
Church of the Holy Virgin
The capital of South Ossetia is replete with ancient clerical monuments, which are now not in the best condition. For example, in the central part of the city you can visit the Armenian church. She was badly damaged after the bombing during the Russian-Georgian conflict, although today it has been partially restored. There is a small square in front of the Church of the Holy Virgin.
Other attractions
In the city you can meet other monuments of ancient architecture. The capital of South Ossetia is famous for the St. George’s Cavite Church, the Zguder Church, etc.
Military conflict
Few in Russia knew what capital South Ossetia had before troops had to invade Georgian territory to resolve the military conflict. It happened in August 2008. Events of that period were imprinted in the minds of all the inhabitants of the city.
As a result of the armed conflict, which lasted only five days, several hundred people died. A considerable part of the inhabitants suffered from military operations, almost every resident of the city lost at least one close or dear person.
Now, several years later, these events are called the "08.08.08 War". Although these military events were quite expected, the inhabitants of South Ossetia still hoped until the last time that the government would not start a war. On August 8, 2008 at 23:30 in Tskhinval they heard the first artillery strike inflicted by the Georgians. Despite the fact that the government introduced its tank and infantry troops into the city, the residents managed to hold out until the Russian military came to the rescue.
Conflict Results
The whole world has learned that the city of Tskhinvali is the name of the capital. South Ossetia after the armed conflict was partially recognized as a separate state. But was it worth all the permissions and lost human lives?
After a hard five-day confrontation, the city suffered incredible losses. According to official figures alone, about 80% of the housing stock was destroyed. The Jewish Quarter, which turned into ruins, was badly damaged. Here before the hostilities there were many buildings in a very poor state, and after it there was no sense in rebuilding and rebuilding anything.
The tallest building in the city was badly damaged - a psychiatric hospital, which was probably one of the main targets for Georgian gunners. Hospital workers are still surprised that by miracle they managed to save everyone inside, and brave nurses were able to hide patients in the basement.
Output
The hostilities of 2008 on the territory of Georgia greatly influenced South Ossetia and the city of Tskhinval in particular. A huge number of people suffered here, a significant part of the city was destroyed, special damage to ancient architecture took place in the Jewish quarter - the historical and most famous part of the city. After the end of hostilities, many people in the CIS countries found out which capital of South Ossetia. The city of Tskhinval was partially restored, but most of it still remains badly damaged.
Little by little, here they begin to build new objects, including new microdistricts. In 2009, a new gas pipeline was even launched, which connects South Ossetia and Russia directly, since the old one was destroyed during the five-day war. Perhaps in the very near future the city will not be completely restored, but the government of the state is on the right track. Gradually, albeit slowly, with the help of the Russian government, residents of the city and country return to their usual lives.