When and where did Siberia begin? The starting point of the history of the region as a part of Russia goes back to Yermak’s conquest of Siberia. Yermak was a Cossack ataman and is today a hero in Russian myths and folklore. It was reign of Tsar Ivan the Terrible when Yermak invaded the territory of Volgus, subjects to the Khan of Siberia, in July 1580. Tura River was the place where the Yermak victorious campaign started.
The city of Tyumen, the first Russian city in Siberia, begins on the banks of the Tura. Previously, the city of Chingi-Tura was located there, which was destroyed and burned after the coming of Yermak to the Siberian lands. Later, the current capital of the Tyumen region was built in its place.
There are several speculations about where the Tura river got its name from. According to one version, it comes from the Mongolian tur (tur - "town," "fortress"). Another version says that the name came from the Tatar language: tura, ture. It can be translated as "camp,"or a "house." According to the third version, the river’s name sounds as a modified Mansi “tere.” Tereya, “Tere river,” “tour - "lake." However, the true origin of the toponym is still unknown.
The Tura River is famous for its unpredictability: due to the large number of tributaries, it overflows the banks once in twenty years and floods the coastal areas. To save the coastline, the only multi-level embankment in Russia was built in Tyumen. The original engineering and architectural ideas are not only pleasant to eyes of visitors but also protects the city from flooding. Therefore, even if during the flood the two lower tiers of the structure go under water, Tyumen residents can enjoy rest on the upper part of the promenade.
A monument to Georg Steller, a doctor, geologist, and naturalist of the Second Kamchatka Expedition whose life was cut short here in 1746 on the way from another expedition, was built on the bank of the river. The researcher was buried next to the Trinity Monastery on the high bank of the Tura River, but his grave disappeared - another flood is to blame. After this tragic event, the entire Russian Empire learned about Tyumen.
Today, Tura River’s bank is an invariable meeting place, the epicenter of all events and incredible space - locals love to relax with friends and celebrate holidays here. In addition, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city’s places of interest from here, which makes the river bank an excellent location for photo shoots and memorable pictures.
