Minsk

Minsk is the capital and the largest city of Belarus, located on the Svislach and the now subterranean Niamiha rivers. As the capital, Minsk has a special administrative status in Belarus and is the administrative centre of Minsk Region and Minsk District. As of 2024, it has a population of about two million, making Minsk the 11th-most populous city in Europe. Minsk is one of the administrative capitals of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
minsk

Some of the key events about Minsk

  • 1067
    The first recorded mention of Minsk in historical chronicles
  • 1499
    Minsk was granted Magdeburg rights, giving it self-governance
  • 1793
    Minsk became the capital of Minsk Governorate within the Russian Empire
  • 1919
    Minsk was proclaimed the capital of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic
  • 1919
    Minsk was occupied by Polish forces during the Polish-Soviet War
  • 1921
    The Belarusian State University was founded in Minsk
  • 1929
    The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus was established in Minsk
  • 1941
    Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Minsk during World War II
  • 1941
    The Minsk Ghetto was established, leading to the deaths of thousands of Jews
  • 1943
    Minsk was heavily bombed by Soviet aircraft, causing significant destruction
  • 1952
    The Minsk Metro system began construction, improving urban transportation
  • 1960
    The National Library of Belarus was opened, becoming a cultural landmark
  • 1986
    Minsk was affected by radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster
  • 1991
    Minsk became the capital of the newly independent Republic of Belarus
  • 1999
    A stampede at a metro station during a rock concert killed 53 people
  • 2004
    Protests against the referendum to remove presidential term limits were violently suppressed
  • 2010
    Post-election protests were met with a harsh crackdown by authorities
  • 2011
    A terrorist attack in the Minsk Metro killed 15 people and injured over 200
  • 2019
    Minsk successfully hosted the 2nd European Games, a major international sporting event
  • 2020
    Mass protests following disputed presidential elections were met with violent repression

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Minsk Latest news

Belarus Court Sentences 12 for Drone Attack on Russian Military Plane

Belarus Court Sentences 12 for Drone Attack on Russian Military Plane

A Belarusian court has convicted 12 individuals for a drone attack on a Russian military radar plane, with sentences ranging up to 25 years. Most defendants were tried in absentia for the February 2023 incident.

Society, Politics • October 4 2024 , 08:19 PM  •  364 views
Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia

Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is set to participate in the Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia. The meeting will focus on economic cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union, a group of former Soviet states.

Economics, Politics • September 29 2024 , 09:38 PM  •  1145 views
Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum After Iran Visit

Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum After Iran Visit

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin plans consecutive diplomatic engagements in Iran and Armenia. The Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia will focus on regional cooperation and development strategies.

Economics, Politics • September 29 2024 , 09:35 PM  •  1161 views
Polish Prosecutors Charge Belarusian Officials for 2021 Plane Diversion

Polish Prosecutors Charge Belarusian Officials for 2021 Plane Diversion

Polish authorities have charged three Belarusian officials for diverting a plane to arrest a dissident in 2021. The incident, involving a false bomb threat, led to international condemnation and sanctions against Belarus.

Society, Politics • September 6 2024 , 01:20 PM  •  491 views
Japanese Teacher Detained in Belarus on Espionage Allegations

Japanese Teacher Detained in Belarus on Espionage Allegations

A Japanese national faces espionage charges in Belarus for allegedly photographing infrastructure. Japan protests the arrest, citing human rights concerns in the case.

Society, Politics • September 6 2024 , 11:49 AM  •  391 views
Poland Seeks Charges Against Belarusian Officials for 2021 Ryanair Incident

Poland Seeks Charges Against Belarusian Officials for 2021 Ryanair Incident

Polish prosecutors have gathered evidence to charge three Belarusian officials for the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk in 2021, which led to the arrest of a dissident journalist. The case has sparked international controversy.

Society, Politics • September 6 2024 , 09:10 AM  •  285 views
China and Belarus Bolster Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors

China and Belarus Bolster Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors

China and Belarus have agreed to strengthen ties in trade, security, energy, and finance. The joint statement follows a meeting between the countries' prime ministers in Minsk, emphasizing enhanced cooperation in various areas.

Economics, Politics • August 23 2024 , 02:34 AM  •  877 views
Lukashenko Urges Russia-Ukraine Talks Amid Border Tensions

Lukashenko Urges Russia-Ukraine Talks Amid Border Tensions

Belarusian President Lukashenko calls for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to prevent conflict spillover. He accuses the West of prolonging the war and warns against potential attacks on Belarus.

Society, Politics • August 15 2024 , 05:57 PM  •  382 views
Belarus Bolsters Border Forces Amid Alleged Ukrainian Drone Incursions

Belarus Bolsters Border Forces Amid Alleged Ukrainian Drone Incursions

Belarus reinforces its border with Ukraine, citing airspace violations. Diplomatic tensions rise as Belarus demands action from Ukraine and threatens to reconsider its diplomatic presence in Minsk.

Politics • August 10 2024 , 08:30 PM  •  1040 views