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Tarko-Sale (nen. Tarka 'sala, Taӆka' haya) is a city (since March
23, 2004) in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug of Russia, the
administrative center of the Purovsky region.
The
municipality formed the city of Tarko-Sale with the status of an
urban settlement as the only settlement in its composition. In 2020,
the settlement was abolished due to the transformation of the
municipal district into a municipal district.
Population - 21
501 people. (2020).
Purovsky District Museum of History and Local Lore
One of the
town's standout cultural attractions is the Purovsky District Museum of
History and Local Lore, established in 1972 and officially recognized
with awards by 1980. This municipal institution houses an impressive
collection of over 26,990 artifacts, spanning natural history,
ethnography, archaeology, local history, and fine art, providing a deep
dive into the Yamalo-Nenets region's indigenous peoples, geological
past, and industrial development. Highlights include rare
paleontological items like a mammoth skull, which speaks to the area's
prehistoric wildlife amid the Siberian tundra, and a stuffed yagushka (a
traditional artifact or specimen, possibly referring to a local bird or
cultural item). The museum's ethnography section showcases items from
the Nenets and other indigenous groups, such as traditional clothing,
tools, and ceremonial objects that reflect nomadic reindeer herding
lifestyles adapted to the harsh climate. Archaeological exhibits feature
ancient tools and settlements uncovered in the district, illustrating
human habitation dating back thousands of years. The fine art collection
includes regional paintings and sculptures depicting northern landscapes
and daily life. Additionally, the museum maintains a library with more
than 1,300 books on local lore, supporting educational programs and
temporary exhibitions that rotate to cover topics like the oil boom's
impact on the community. Visitor reviews praise its well-curated
displays and informative guides, earning it a 4.5 rating on platforms
like Yandex, though it's noted for its modest size and focus on
Russian-language materials. Located in the town center, it's an ideal
spot for understanding how Tarko-Sale evolved from a remote outpost to a
resource-driven hub, with exhibits that blend science, culture, and
history in a compact, accessible space.
Pyakupur River and
Surrounding Natural Landscapes
The Pyakupur River, flowing through
Tarko-Sale and converging with the Ayvasedapur River just near the town,
forms the backbone of its natural attractions and offers serene, untamed
Siberian scenery. This river system, part of the broader Ob River basin,
features wide, meandering channels bordered by lush taiga forests of
larch, spruce, and birch trees, interspersed with rolling hills and
marshy wetlands typical of the West Siberian Plain. In summer, the
landscapes burst with green foliage and wild berries, providing
opportunities for hiking along unmarked trails, fishing for species like
pike or grayling in the clear waters, or picnicking on the banks amid
the quiet hum of nature. The confluence area, in particular, creates
picturesque vistas where the rivers meet, often shrouded in mist during
cooler months, and serves as a habitat for local wildlife including
moose, foxes, and migratory birds. Come winter, the frozen river
transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities
like ice fishing—drilling through thick ice to catch fish beneath—or
snowmobiling across the snow-covered expanses, taking advantage of the
long, cold season that lasts from October to May. These natural features
not only offer recreational value but also underscore the town's
ecological significance, as the surrounding forests act as carbon sinks
and support indigenous traditions. While not heavily developed for
tourism, the area's raw beauty invites exploration, though visitors
should prepare for mosquitoes in summer (a common Siberian nuisance) and
extreme cold in winter. Aerial views reveal how the river weaves through
the town, blending urban elements with wilderness.
Health Park
and Urban Embankment
For a more relaxed, community-oriented sight,
the Health Park (Park Zdorov'ya) stands out as a modern urban green
space in the heart of Tarko-Sale, emphasizing wellness and leisure amid
the industrial setting. This park features a well-maintained promenade
lined with benches, elegant lanterns, and marble-like trash cans,
creating a welcoming atmosphere for strolls. A central fountain adds a
soothing water element, while gazebos provide shaded spots for
gatherings or quiet reflection. Families appreciate the children's
playground with swings and a carousel, though usage peaks after school
hours. Innovative touches include birdhouses secured with plastic ties
to protect trees and a high-tech mosquito-catching device that uses
carbon dioxide to attract and eliminate pests—a practical nod to the
region's buggy summers. Adjacent to the park is the town's embankment
along the Pyakupur River (referred to locally as the Pukh in some
contexts, possibly a colloquialism), which is under ongoing development
to enhance its appeal with wider paths and scenic overlooks. The
embankment offers views of the river and connects to broader town
features like wheelchair-accessible trails, promoting inclusivity. In
the evenings, green lighting illuminates the area, adding a subtle
charm. This space reflects Tarko-Sale's efforts to improve quality of
life through social investments, often tied to companies like Gazprom,
and serves as a hub for local events or casual outings.
Other
Notable Landmarks and Activities
Beyond the museum and natural sites,
Tarko-Sale's town center boasts several smaller landmarks that
contribute to its character. The Palace of Culture is a key venue for
community events, concerts, and exhibitions, embodying Soviet-era
architecture with modern updates. Nearby, an obelisk honors the
indigenous peoples of the north or WWII soldiers (interpretations vary),
standing as a solemn monument amid wide avenues and tiled sidewalks. The
art school and skate park cater to younger residents, with the latter
offering ramps and rails for extreme sports enthusiasts. The
administration building, a functional yet prominent structure, anchors
the civic area, while facilities like a Gazprom-sponsored swimming pool
highlight corporate contributions to public amenities. For broader
activities, the surrounding forests enable hiking and berry-picking in
summer, transitioning to cross-country skiing or snowmobiling in winter.
Walking tours of the town reveal contrasts between aging barracks (being
phased out for new housing) and emerging developments, providing insight
into daily life in a remote oil town.
Location and Administrative Context
Tarko-Sale is an urban
locality in the Purovsky District of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug,
Russia. It serves as the administrative center of the district and is
situated approximately 560 kilometers (350 miles) southeast of
Salekhard, the okrug's capital. Geographically, it lies at coordinates
64°55′N 77°48′E, positioned just south of the Arctic Circle in the
northern part of Western Siberia. The settlement is near the Yamal and
Gyda peninsulas, south of the Kara Sea, and is surrounded by other towns
such as Gubkinsky, Muravlenko, and Novy Urengoy. Its proximity to major
gas fields like Kharampur, Khancheyskoye, and Urengoy underscores its
role in the region's energy sector.
Topography and Terrain
The
terrain around Tarko-Sale is predominantly flat and low-lying, with an
elevation of about 22 meters (72 feet) above sea level. This riverine
landscape is characteristic of the West Siberian Plain, featuring
extensive swamps, permafrost zones, and a network of water bodies. The
area is part of a transitional zone between tundra and taiga, with vast,
open expanses that can appear stark and endless, especially under snow
cover. Permafrost dominates the ground, influencing soil stability and
construction practices, while the flatness contributes to seasonal
flooding and wetland formation.
Hydrology and Natural Features
Tarko-Sale is strategically located on the Pyakupur River (also referred
to as the Pury River in some sources) near its confluence with the
Ayvasedapur River. This positioning makes rivers a central feature of
the local geography, supporting transportation (including seasonal
navigation) and contributing to the area's swampy character. Nearby, the
Taz River and numerous smaller waterways, lakes, and thermokarst
formations add to the hydrological complexity. These water bodies are
integral to the ecosystem, influencing seasonal melt patterns and flood
dynamics in spring. The region's proximity to the Kara Sea introduces
subtle maritime effects, though inland influences predominate.
Climate
Tarko-Sale experiences a subarctic climate (Köppen
classification: Dfc), marked by extreme seasonal variations—long,
severely cold winters and short, relatively mild summers. The annual
average temperature is around -5.1°C (22.8°F), with precipitation
totaling about 532 mm (20.95 inches) per year, mostly as rain in summer
and snow in winter. Winters are dominated by biting winds and
temperatures that can drop to record lows of -54.2°C (-65.6°F), while
summers occasionally reach highs of 34.5°C (94.1°F). This continental
climate is influenced by its northern latitude and permafrost, leading
to harsh conditions that affect daily life and infrastructure.
Biome and Vegetation
The area falls within the forest-tundra biome, a
transitional zone where sparse coniferous forests (such as larch and
spruce) intermingle with open tundra landscapes. Vegetation is adapted
to cold, nutrient-poor soils and permafrost, featuring low-growing
shrubs, mosses, lichens, and occasional stands of trees. This biome
supports limited biodiversity, with plants resilient to short growing
seasons and extreme temperatures. In recent years, warming trends have
led to some "greening" effects, with increased shrub growth observed in
similar pan-Arctic regions.
Natural Resources
Tarko-Sale's
geography is rich in hydrocarbons, particularly natural gas and oil,
which have driven its development since the mid-20th century. The nearby
Urengoy gas field, one of the world's largest, along with others like
Kharampur, highlights the region's role in Russia's energy production.
Permafrost and wetlands also contain peat deposits, while rivers support
limited fisheries. These resources attract industrial activity but pose
extraction challenges due to the harsh environment.
Environmental
Characteristics and Challenges
The subarctic setting brings
environmental vulnerabilities, including permafrost thaw exacerbated by
climate change, which can lead to infrastructure instability and altered
hydrology. Wetlands and lakes act as carbon sinks but are sensitive to
pollution from oil and gas operations. Indigenous Nenets communities
rely on the land for traditional practices like reindeer herding, facing
pressures from industrialization. Seasonal access—via air, winter roads,
or limited river navigation—further shapes human interaction with this
remote, resilient landscape.
Tarko-Sale
was founded in 1932 as a settlement. The word combination tarka
'sala is translated from the tundra Nenets language (in forest
Nenets - taӆka ’haӆya) means“ a cape at a fork ”.
Tarko-Sale,
as a "temporary administrative center in the middle reaches of the
Pur River", has existed since January 7, 1932, when the Purovsky
District was formed as part of the Yamalo-Nenets National District
by a resolution of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee.
The first documentary mentions of Tarko-Sale date back to March
1933.
By the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of
the RSFSR dated June 27, 1944, the Tarkosalinsky Village Council of
the Purovsky District of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug was
formed.
On August 18, 1976 by the decision of the executive
committee of the Tyumen Regional Council of Working People's
Deputies No. 418 Tarko-Sale was given the status of a working
village.
The day of formation of the administration of the
village of Tarko-Sale is January 8, 1992 - the day of the
appointment of the Head of the administration of the village of
Tarko-Sale.
On the basis of the law of the Yamalo-Nenets
Autonomous Okrug dated March 30, 2004 No. 16-ZAO, the settlement of
Tarko-Sale of the Purovsky District of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous
Okrug was classified as a city of regional significance.
By
the law of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug of December 20, 2004
No. 113-ZAO “On granting the status, determining the administrative
center and establishing the boundaries of municipalities of the
Purovsky district”, the city of Tarko-Sale of the Purovsky district
is endowed with the status of an urban settlement.
In
accordance with the decision of the Meeting of Deputies of the city
of Tarko-Sale dated June 23, 2015 No. 216, the Administration of the
municipal formation of the city of Tarko-Sale was liquidated.
In accordance with part 1.1 of article 3 of the Charter of the
municipal formation of the city of Tarko-Sale, the powers of the
local administration are vested in the Administration of the
municipal formation Purovsky district.
The
city has a railway station located in the nearby village of Purovsk,
as well as its own airport. Located within the accessibility of the
regional road "Surgut - Salekhard". Air transport links are provided
with Salekhard, Tyumen, as well as with the villages of Krasnoselkup
and Tolka.
On September 1, 2013, traffic was opened on a new
road bridge across the Pyakupur River, connecting the village of
Purovsk and the city of Tarko-Sale with year-round traffic. The
bridge instead of the planned thirty-six months was built in one
year and five months.
Tarko-Sale is located in a zone of sharply continental climate, the
average temperature in January is −25, July is +16.7.
Average
annual air temperature - −5.3°C
Relative air humidity - 75.6%
Average wind speed - 3.1 m/s
The city-forming industry is oil and gas production and gas
condensate processing. Main enterprises:
LLC
"NOVATEK-TARKOSALENEFTEGAZ" - oil and gas production company
CJSC
"TERNEFTEGAZ" - registered in the village. Krasnoselkup, office based in
Tarko-Sale
NOVATEK-PUROVSKY ZPK LLC is a deethanized gas condensate
processing plant located in the Purovsky district
LLC
"NOVATEK-ENERGO" - electricity production at the facilities of PJSC
"NOVATEK"
PJSC NOVATEK is registered in Tarko-Sale and is based in
Moscow
Nova Energy Services LLC - drilling company, branch of
Investgeoservice JSC
OJSC "T S NGREIS" - "Tarkosalinskaya Oil and Gas
Exploration Expedition for Well Testing" provides services for testing
geological exploration and oil and gas production wells; overhaul and
trial operation of wells.
LLC "Purovskaya Catering and Trade
Company-Purneftegazgeologiya" - corporate catering services, catering,
cleaning, operation of rotational housing complexes in the Yamalo-Nenets
Autonomous Okrug.
There is a vocational college No. 1 in the city.
There are 4
general educational institutions in the city, including a boarding
school, and 7 preschool educational institutions.
Children's Art
School named after. I. O. Dunaevsky.
MBOU DO "Center for Natural
Sciences", MBOU DO "House of Children's Creativity", MAOU DO
"Interschool Educational Center", MBOU DO TsEV "Sudarushka".
Children's and Youth Sports School "Avangard", Children's and Youth
Sports School "Victoria", Children's and Youth Sports School
"Paratrooper".