Krasnousolsky (Bashkortostan Krasnousol) is a village, the administrative center of the Gafuriysky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan, as well as the center of the Krasnousolsky village council. The village is located on the Usolka River, 104 km southeast of Ufa. Nearby is Voskresenskaya Mountain, where the history of Krasnousolskoye began.
The Krasnousolsk balneo-mud resort and a
children's sanatorium are located 5 km from Krasnousolskoye. The
resort is located in the foothills of the western slope of the
Southern Urals, in the valley of the Usolka River.
Krasnousolsky is known for its medicinal mineral water, which is
used as a drinking water for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
biliary tract, metabolism, kidneys, and as a bath for diseases of
the musculoskeletal system, diseases of the nervous system and
respiratory organs.
Early History and Discovery of the Area (16th Century)
The history
of Krasnousolsky, a rural locality in the Gafuriysky District of the
Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia, is deeply intertwined with the
region's natural resources, particularly its mineral springs, and the
broader expansion of Russian influence into the Southern Urals. The
area's significance dates back to 1574, when Cossacks from the White
expedition, exploring the region, discovered salty springs near
Voskresenskaya Mountain, approximately 90 miles from Ufa. These springs,
located along the tributary known as the Korennaya River (due to its
brackish, root-like water), were deemed suitable for salt production. To
secure and exploit these resources, the Tabynsk prison (ostrog) was
established between 1574 and 1586, serving as a fortified settlement for
salt workers. This early settlement, initially called Solovarny, thrived
on salt extraction until around 1629, when it began to decline.
Around 1584, the Voznesenskaya Hermitage (monastery) was founded nearby,
on lands along the Chesnokovka River, west of the salt springs. This
religious site added a spiritual dimension to the area, but it faced
early turmoil. In 1586, the construction of the Tabynsk prison and other
Russian forts sparked conflict with Nogai Khan Urus, who protested the
encroachment on his territories. Urus, allied with Siberian Khan Kuchum,
raided and destroyed the nearby Voznesenskaya desert (a monastic
retreat), highlighting the tensions between Russian settlers and local
nomadic groups like the Bashkirs and Nogais during Russia's eastward
expansion. This period reflects the broader historical context of
Bashkortostan, which was part of the Khanate of the Golden Horde until
the mid-16th century. Following the Russian conquest of Kazan in 1552,
the Bashkirs voluntarily acceded to Russian rule through negotiations,
seeking protection from nomadic raids, which facilitated further
settlement in the region.
The mineral springs themselves had been
known for their healing properties since at least the 16th century,
drawing attention for both economic (salt production) and potential
therapeutic uses.
The Tabynsk Icon and Religious Significance
(Late 16th to 19th Centuries)
A pivotal element in Krasnousolsky's
history is the Tabynsk Mother of God icon, which has endowed the area
with profound religious and cultural importance. The icon's story begins
in June 1597 at the Ascension Hermitage near Tabynsk, close to the salt
springs. A deacon monk named Ambrose heard a voice at the spring urging
him to "Take my icon." Initially dismissing it as sorcery, he later
discovered the large icon, resembling the Kazan Mother of God icon found
18 years earlier. The monks placed it in their church, but it
mysteriously vanished overnight, reappearing at the monastery entrance.
After repeated disappearances, a chapel was built for it, and miracles
began to occur.
In 1663, during the Bashkir rebellion against Russian
rule, the monastery was destroyed, and the icon disappeared for over a
century. It resurfaced in 1766 when three Bashkir shepherds found it
near the spring. One shepherd, a teenager, slashed the icon in anger and
went blind, but regained his sight after praying and repenting. He was
baptized and lived to 130 as a penitent. The icon was moved to the
Church of the Epiphany in Krasnousolsky (then known as Bogoyavlenskoye)
but vanished again, reappearing in Tabynsk on the ninth Sunday after
Easter—establishing its name as the Tabynsk Icon and its feast day on
the ninth Friday after Easter. Believers noted that the Virgin's face
darkened as it absorbed pilgrims' sins.
By the 19th century, the icon
gained fame for miracles, such as halting a cholera epidemic in Orenburg
in 1854 after being carried there in procession. It became the patron of
the Orenburg Cossack Army and was taken into battles during World War I.
Today, the Bogoroditse-Tabynsky Convent near Krasnousolsky houses a
replica, and the site remains a pilgrimage destination, with saltwater
flowing from the springs on the icon's feast day. The original icon
disappeared during the Chinese Cultural Revolution in the late 1960s
after being taken to China by fleeing Cossacks during the Russian Civil
War.
Industrial Founding and Development (18th to Early 20th
Centuries)
The modern village of Krasnousolsky was formally founded
in 1752 on Bashkir lands with the construction of the Bogoyavlensky
copper-smelting plant, marking the shift toward industrial development
in the area. Initially named Bogoyavlenskoye after the plant, it
capitalized on the region's mineral resources. In 1893, the plant was
converted to glass production, reflecting adapting economic needs. This
industrial base supported population growth and established
Krasnousolsky as a key settlement in the Southern Urals foothills, along
the Usolka River.
The broader region of Bashkortostan during this era
saw continued integration into the Russian Empire, with Bashkirs
maintaining some autonomy while facing land encroachments and
rebellions, such as those in the 17th and 18th centuries. The area's
ethnic composition—primarily Bashkirs, Tatars, and Russians—shaped its
cultural landscape, with Bashkirs comprising a significant portion of
the population.
Soviet Era and Administrative Changes (20th
Century)
Following the Russian Revolution, Krasnousolsky underwent
significant transformations. In 1924, the settlement was renamed
Krasnousolsky plant, and a balneological mud resort was established,
leveraging the mineral springs for therapeutic treatments of conditions
like musculoskeletal disorders, skin diseases, gastrointestinal issues,
and more. This marked the beginning of its role as a health and tourism
hub, with a children's sanatorium added 5 km away.
Administratively,
in 1926, it became the center of Krasnousolsk volost, and in 1928, it
was designated a working settlement. The Gafuriysky District itself was
established in 1930 as Krasnousolsky District, reflecting Soviet
reorganization efforts. During the Soviet period, the Tabynsk pilgrimage
site was repurposed as a treatment center, with reports of supernatural
occurrences like snakes in the baths and a mysterious woman patrolling
the chapel. In 1972, authorities dynamited the chapel and spring, but
waters reemerged elsewhere. The district's creation was part of broader
Bolshevik efforts to modernize and integrate nationalities, including
securing autonomy for Bashkirs amid tensions with Tatars.
Modern
Era (Late 20th Century to Present)
On December 15, 2002,
Krasnousolsky was reclassified from a working settlement to a rural
village by local decision, solidifying its status as the administrative
center of Gafuriysky District and the Krasnousolsky village council. The
population has remained stable, with 11,991 residents recorded in the
2010 census, down slightly from 12,331 in 2002 and 12,323 in 1989.
Today, Krasnousolsky's economy and identity revolve around its natural
assets: the mineral springs support a thriving resort industry,
attracting visitors for health treatments amid scenic landscapes. The
religious heritage endures, with a golden-domed church overlooking the
Tabynsk site, featuring a grotto and replica icon. The village
exemplifies Bashkortostan's multicultural fabric, blending Bashkir
nomadic traditions with Russian industrial and Orthodox influences,
while preserving its role in regional history as a site of exploration,
conflict, miracles, and healing.
Krasnousolsky is situated in central Bashkortostan at coordinates 53°53′41″N 56°28′07″E, approximately 120 kilometers southeast of the republic's capital, Ufa. The Gafuriysky District, which encompasses Krasnousolsky, spans 3,038 square kilometers and is bordered by Arkhangelsky District to the north, Beloretsky to the east, Ishimbaysky to the south, Sterlitamaksky to the southwest, Aurgazinsky to the west, and Karmaskalinsky to the northwest. This central positioning places it on the transitional zone between the European plains and the Asian Ural Mountains, marking a geographical boundary that influences local ecosystems and climate patterns. The district is entirely rural, with 95 localities, and Krasnousolsky accounts for about 35% of the district's total population of roughly 34,000.
The terrain around Krasnousolsky features rolling hills and low mountain foothills typical of the western slopes of the Southern Urals. Elevations vary from valleys at around 150-200 meters above sea level to higher ridges reaching 400-600 meters, creating a diverse landscape of undulating plains interspersed with forested uplands. The area includes notable rock formations such as Mambet Rock, a prominent geological feature that adds to the rugged charm and attracts hikers and climbers. The soils are predominantly chernozem in the valleys, supporting agriculture, while higher areas have podzolic soils under coniferous forests. This varied topography supports outdoor activities like trekking and eco-tourism, with the surrounding hills providing natural barriers that moderate local microclimates.
Krasnousolsky is positioned along the Usolka River, a key waterway that winds through the settlement and contributes to its name (derived from "red salt" or mineral-rich waters). The Usolka is a tributary of the larger Belaya River, part of the Volga River basin, and features clear, mineral-infused waters that have been utilized for centuries. The region's standout natural feature is its cluster of mineral springs, documented as early as the 16th century for their therapeutic qualities. These springs emerge from karst formations in the limestone-rich Ural foothills, producing waters high in sulfates, chlorides, and other minerals, along with therapeutic muds from nearby deposits. The balneological resort, established in 1924, harnesses these for treatments of musculoskeletal, skin, and respiratory conditions, drawing visitors year-round. Groundwater resources are abundant, with over 600 rivers and 800 lakes in broader Bashkortostan, though locally focused on the Usolka's valley for recreation and hydrology.
Krasnousolsky experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb), characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, moderately humid summers. Influenced by the Urals' orographic effects and proximity to Siberia, the area sees significant seasonal variations. Average January temperatures range from -12°C to -15°C, with frequent snow cover lasting 150-180 days and depths up to 50-70 cm. July averages 18°C to 20°C, ideal for outdoor pursuits, though nights can cool to 10°C. Annual precipitation is around 500-600 mm, peaking in summer with thunderstorms, while spring and autumn are transitional with variable weather. The mountains to the east block some Atlantic moisture, leading to drier conditions compared to western Russia, but local valleys like the Usolka create milder microclimates. Extreme events include winter blizzards and summer heatwaves exceeding 30°C.
The geography supports rich biodiversity, with mixed forests dominating the landscape—pine, spruce, birch, and aspen trees cover much of the hills, transitioning to steppe grasses in open valleys. Summer brings vibrant wildflowers, while autumn displays colorful foliage. Fauna includes mammals like deer, foxes, hares, and occasionally bears or wolves in remote forested areas, alongside birds such as eagles and woodpeckers. The mineral springs create unique wetland habitats, supporting specialized plant species adapted to saline conditions. Nearby protected zones, like the Bashkiriya Nature Reserve to the east, underscore the region's ecological importance, with efforts to preserve old-growth forests and river ecosystems amid human activities like tourism and agriculture.
Geographically, Krasnousolsky's development ties closely to its natural resources: founded in 1752 around a copper smelting plant (later a glass factory), it evolved into a resort hub leveraging the springs and landscapes. The sanatorium complex spans modern facilities amid green spaces, integrated with the terrain for therapeutic walks and views. Nearby, the Bogoroditse-Tabynsky Convent, perched in a scenic valley, adds cultural-geographical interest with its historical ties to the Tabyn Icon pilgrimage site. Environmental challenges include potential overexploitation of springs, but conservation initiatives in Bashkortostan aim to balance tourism with sustainability.
A regional public highway 80K-028 passes
through the village, which connects Krasnousolsky with Ufa.
From the village, buses run daily to Ufa, Sterlitamak and other
cities.