Many, even quite erudite people, may wonder what the capital of South Ossetia is called. Although this is not surprising, given that this state was only recently formed and recognized by far from all countries in the political arena, and, accordingly, a wide range of people still have little information about its administrative structure. Tskhinvali is the capital of South Ossetia, a city that is at the same time one of the most developed and largest.
General information
Tskhinvali remained the center of the South Ossetian Autonomous Region until 1990, when the decision was made to create a separate republic, whose political status is still disputed. However, 5 states still recognize South Ossetia as an independent territory. Tskhinvali is located in the southern region of the Caucasus.
City name
Now you knowwhat is the capital of South Ossetia, 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.
A Brief History
The existence of a village called Tskhinvali was mentioned already in 1398. In the XVIII century it was already a "royal city", which was inhabited mainly by monastic serfs. In the 20th century, it became an important transport artery that connects several regions at once. In 1922, Tskhinvali was officially recognized as the administrative center of the South Ossetian Autonomous Region. If in the first two decades of the 20th century a large Jewish and Georgian population lived in the city, then in 1959 the majority of the inhabitants were Ossetians.
Jewish Quarter
The capital of South Ossetia is known for its ancient architectural monuments. Particularly stands out among other things the Jewish quarter, once in which you can visit the numerous ruins of ancient buildings, synagogues, the remains of merchant mansions. Despite the fact that a large part of the Jewish population left the area after the military confrontation with Russia in 2008, this part of the Old City still gives tourists an idea of how people lived here several decades ago, because almost nothing has changed here.
In the south of the Jewish Quarter there is an ancient Georgian church, which eleven centuries ago was assembled from river stone, andnow, although it has fallen into decay, it still impresses visitors.
Church of the Holy Mother of God
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. It was badly damaged after the bombings 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 Mother of God.
Other attractions
In the city you can find other monuments of ancient architecture. The capital of South Ossetia is famous for the Kavta Church of St. George, the Zguder Church and others.
Military conflict
Few people in Russia knew what the capital of South Ossetia was before the troops had to invade the territory of Georgia to resolve the military conflict. This happened in August 2008. The 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 large part of the inhabitants suffered from hostilities, almost every resident of the city lost at least one close or dear person.
Now, several years later, these events are called "The War of 08.08.08". Although these military events were quite expected, nevertheless, the inhabitants of South Ossetia hoped to the last that the state power would not unleash a war. August 8, 2008 at 23:30 in Tskhinvali heard the firstartillery strike inflicted by the Georgians. Despite the fact that the government brought its tank and infantry troops into the city, the residents managed to hold out until the Russian military came to the rescue.
Results of the conflict
The whole world 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 permits and lost human lives?
After a heavy five-day standoff, the city suffered incredible losses. Only according to official data, about 80% of the housing stock was destroyed. The Jewish Quarter was badly damaged and turned into ruins. Even before the hostilities, there were many buildings in a very deplorable state here, and after it there was no point in rebuilding and restoring anything.
The tallest building in the city, the psychiatric hospital, was badly damaged, which was probably one of the main targets for Georgian artillerymen. Hospital workers are still surprised that by a miracle they managed to save everyone inside, and brave nurses were able to hide patients in the basement.
Conclusion
The military operations of 2008 on the territory of Georgia had a strong impact on South Ossetia and the city of Tskhinvali 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 - a historical andthe most famous part of the city. After the end of hostilities, many people in the CIS countries found out what the capital of South Ossetia is. The city of Tskhinvali has been partially restored, but most of it still remains badly damaged.
Little by little, new facilities are being built here, including new neighborhoods. In 2009, a new gas pipeline was even launched that links 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, the inhabitants of the city and the country are returning to their usual life.
