North Ossetia is a republic that is part of the Russian Federation. It was founded in 1924. The native population is Ossetians, however, other nationalities live in this territory.
Let's see where North Ossetia is located, that is, what is its geographical location. This republic is part of the North Caucasus Federal District. From this follows a simple conclusion that the entire territory of the state is located in the Caucasus. To be more precise in the wording, the Greater Caucasus is on the northern slope of a large mountain system. The relief is distributed as follows: plains and lowlands occupy most of the area, and the highlands - less than half.
In total, about 700 thousand people live in the republic. Of these, more than 60% are urban. In economic terms, Russia is a strategic partner. The Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (its full name) in the list of subjects of the Federation by area occupies the 80th place (less than 8 thousand sq. Km). The state capital is Vladikavkaz. It is located in southern Russia on the banks of the Terek River at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains.
Briefly about the main thing
Vladikavkaz was founded in the Catherine era. Such a name - “Vladyka Kavkaz” - from Pavel Sergeevich Potemkin in 1784 received a fortress built as a Russian outpost in the southern part of the modern city. The future capital of North Ossetia received the status of the city in 1860.
Now the population of the city totals a little more than 300 thousand people, most of which are Ossetians, Russians and Armenians.
Vladikavkaz (in Ossetian Dzaudzhikau) is located in the center of the Caucasus. There are short winters and long warm summers. The city is surrounded by picturesque places and natural riches in the form of healing mineral springs and high-quality drinking water.
Transport
Currently, Vladikavkaz can be proud of a well-developed transport network. There is an international airport with regular flights to Moscow. Also, it is from these places that the famous Georgian Military Road begins. It is an important means of communication between two states - Russia and Georgia. However, for 4 years (2006 - 2010), the government was forced to temporarily close it. But since March 2010 the movement has resumed. There is also the Vladikavkaz railway, which connects the city with Rostov-on-Don.
Culture
Fans of intellectual and cultural recreation the capital of North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) will delight with numerous theaters, concert halls, museums, libraries, among which the oldest in the North Caucasus - the Republican. Among the architectural monuments are the Russian Theater, the department store, the Palace of Metallurgists, the Government House, and, of course, the business cards of Vladikavkaz - the Mukhtarov Sunni Mosque and the Orthodox Church of the Nativity, also called the Ossetian Church.
The mosque was built on the left bank of the Terek by the Azerbaijani philanthropist oilman Murtuz-Aga Mukhtarov. In the Soviet era, this building was used to house a branch of the Museum of Local Lore. Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the oldest Orthodox church that the city of Vladikavkaz can be proud of. Until the 90s. XX century, the church served as a tomb for prominent citizens of the republic. Also in Vladikavkaz is the recently built St. George's Cathedral, which is the main cathedral of the Vladikavkaz diocese.
Monuments
The city has erected many monuments to cultural figures, art, national heroes. Among them is an unusual monument to A.S. Pushkin. The poet is depicted sitting in a cart pulled by oxen, in which he traveled around the Caucasus.
During the Great Patriotic War, bloody battles were fought in the city and its environs. In 2007, the capital of North Ossetia received the honorary title of the City of Military Glory. One of the national heroes of Ossetians is General Issa Pliev, who became 2 times Hero of the Soviet Union. In his honor, the most recognizable monument of Vladikavkaz, the equestrian statue of Pliev, was erected on the Terek embankment.
City development
For recreation of locals and tourists in the city there are many parks. The most popular among them is the Park of Culture and Rest named after the Ossetian poet K. L. Khetagurov. It offers visitors a restaurant, tennis courts, mini-golf. Another famous park is the Olympic Park, built in 2014, whose main attraction is a luminous musical fountain. In the very center of Vladikavkaz, in its historical and cultural part, there is a tram and pedestrian zone - Prospect Mira, almost all of whose buildings are architectural and cultural monuments.
From May to October, the North Caucasus Small Railway named after Valentina Tereshkova works for young citizens and guests of the city. The capital of North Ossetia has a beautiful embankment of the Terek River.
Health & Fitness
The most popular sports in Vladikavkaz and North Ossetia are soccer and wrestling. All Ossetians cheer for the local football club "Alania", which in 1995 became the champion of Russia.
Not far from the city is the village of Redant, near which the well-known sanatoriums "Ossetia", "Redant", camp sites, arboretum are located.