Tashtagol is a city, the administrative center of the Tashtagol district of the Kemerovo region of the Russian Federation.
1. The Church of St. George the Victorious - a brick Orthodox church
was built in Tashtagol in 1995. In 2002, work was carried out to
reconstruct the church.
2. Monument "Golden Shoria" - 6 meter
bronze sculpture was made in Italy. In 2010, the grand opening of the
monument took place.
3. Tashtagol helicopter - the monument
symbolizes the main mode of transport of these places.
4.City
park - in a small park there are rides, a fountain, tents with cotton
candy.
5. Sports and tourist complex "Sheregesh" - on the
territory of the sports complex there are 42 hotels, 15 ski slopes, 17
ski lifts.
Early History and Indigenous Inhabitants
The history of Tashtagol,
a town in southern Siberia's Kemerovo Oblast, Russia, is deeply
intertwined with the broader region known as Gornaya Shoriya
(Mountainous Shoria), located east of the Altay Mountains. This
mountainous area, characterized by dense taiga forests, rivers like the
Kondoma and Mras-Su, and rich mineral deposits, has been inhabited since
ancient times. The indigenous people of the region are the Shors, a
Turkic ethnic group whose origins trace back to a complex intermixing of
Turkic, Ugric, Samoyedic, and Ket-speaking tribes around the 8th and 9th
centuries AD. The Shors, who refer to themselves as Shor-Kizhi, emerged
as a distinct people during this period, influenced by the Yenisei
Kyrgyz who Turkicized the area in the medieval era. Their language,
Shor, incorporates Mongol loanwords from the 13th-century Mongol
conquests, and the region was nominally under Oirat control from the
late 14th to early 17th centuries.
Traditionally, the Shors led a
semi-nomadic lifestyle centered on hunting, fishing, primitive farming,
pine nut gathering, and notably, blacksmithing and iron ore smelting—a
skill that earned them the moniker "Blacksmithing Tatars" among
neighboring groups. They supplied ironware to the Yenisei Kyrgyz,
Oirats, and Altaians, making their metallurgical expertise a cornerstone
of their economy. Socially, Shor society was organized into clans, each
led by an elected chief, with communal decision-making at gatherings.
Practices included matrilocal marriages, exogamy, and kinship taboos,
while hunts were collective efforts with equal distribution of spoils.
Shamanism and animism were the dominant spiritual beliefs, with rituals
involving shamans (kam) who mediated between the human and spirit
worlds.
Archaeological evidence suggests human presence in Gornaya
Shoriya dating back millennia, though specific pre-Shor settlements are
less documented. The region's natural resources, including iron ore,
likely attracted early metallurgists, and petroglyphs or rock carvings
in nearby areas hint at ancient cultural activities, though claims of
massive prehistoric megalithic structures (like those at Mount Kuylyum)
are largely debunked as natural geological formations rather than
man-made artifacts.
Russian Conquest and Imperial Period
(17th–19th Centuries)
Russian expansion into Siberia began in the
late 16th century, but Gornaya Shoriya came under Russian control in the
early 17th century following the conquest of local territories. The
Shors were subjugated and required to pay yasak (tribute) in furs to
Russian authorities, which disrupted their traditional economy and
forced many to relocate to towns for hunting work under harsh
conditions. Russian settlers arrived in the 18th century, further
marginalizing the Shors by introducing advanced goods that undercut
their blacksmithing trade, effectively ending it by the mid-19th
century. This period saw the erosion of the clan system as families were
integrated into a money-based economy, leading to wealth disparities and
social fragmentation.
Religiously, the Shors were converted to
Russian Orthodox Christianity starting in the 17th century, with
accelerated efforts in the 1830s through the Altai Spiritual Mission.
Shamanism was persecuted as a "dark cult," with shamans facing forced
conversions or suppression. Despite this, elements of animism persisted.
By the 19th century, the region remained sparsely populated and
economically underdeveloped, with the Shors living in poverty, using
primitive tools and clothing made from nettle fiber or wild hemp into
the early 20th century. Early mining explorations occurred, but
large-scale extraction was limited until later.
Soviet Era:
Industrialization and Founding of Tashtagol (20th Century)
The
Russian Revolution and Civil War (1917–1922) had minimal direct impact
on Gornaya Shoriya until Bolshevik control in 1920. In recognition of
the indigenous population, the Shor National Region was established in
1929, providing some autonomy. However, this was short-lived; in 1939,
it was dissolved to facilitate industrial development after the
discovery of vast iron ore and coal deposits in the Kuznetsk Basin
(Kuzbass) during the 1930s. This marked a turning point, as Soviet
authorities prioritized resource extraction over indigenous rights,
viewing the Shors as "numerically insignificant" and displacing them for
mining operations.
Tashtagol itself was founded in 1939 as a mining
settlement to exploit local iron ore reserves, reflecting Stalin's push
for rapid industrialization. The town's name derives from the Shor
language (Таштағол, meaning "bald mountain"), underscoring its
indigenous roots. Development accelerated during World War II and the
post-war period, with an influx of Russian workers and deportees,
including Volga Germans resettled after the 1941 deportation. These
groups contributed to the town's growth, though at the expense of Shor
communities, who were often forced into coal mines or displaced from
their lands. Cultural suppression intensified: the Shor language was
removed from schools in 1943, intellectuals were repressed during the
Great Patriotic War (1941–1945), and shamanic practices were
criminalized, with ritual items destroyed.
Tashtagol was granted town
status in 1963, becoming the administrative center of Tashtagolsky
District (established in 1939), which spans 11,383 square kilometers and
includes urban settlements and rural localities. The district's
population, excluding the town, declined from 37,816 in 1989 to 31,895
in 2010, reflecting outmigration and economic challenges. Mining
dominated the economy, with iron ore extraction driving growth; by 1989,
Tashtagol's population reached 26,274. However, this industrialization
led to environmental degradation and social issues among the Shors,
including alcoholism, suicide, and high accident rates in mines.
Post-Soviet Period and Contemporary Developments
Following the Soviet
Union's collapse in 1991, Tashtagol retained its administrative
structure as a town under oblast jurisdiction, separate from but central
to Tashtagolsky District. Municipally, it forms Tashtagolskoye Urban
Settlement within Tashtagolsky Municipal District. The population
stabilized but slightly declined, from 23,363 in 2002 to 23,134 in 2010,
amid economic transitions from state-controlled mining to more
market-oriented operations.
The 1980s liberalization sparked a Shor
cultural revival, culminating in the 1990s with the Association of Shor
People advocating for rights and heritage preservation. Today, Tashtagol
serves as a hub for the Shor community in Gornaya Shoriya, with around
10,000–14,000 Shors in Russia, mostly in Kemerovo Oblast. Challenges
persist, including environmental racism from ongoing mining, which
pollutes rivers and displaces communities. Economically, the town has
diversified into tourism, leveraging its mountainous terrain for skiing
(e.g., Sheregesh resort nearby) and eco-tourism, alongside continued
iron mining. Public transport includes a heliport for regional flights,
connecting remote areas.
Notable events include the 2011 "Yeti"
publicity stunt in Tashtagol to boost tourism, drawing international
attention, though it was more novelty than historical. Overall,
Tashtagol's history reflects the tension between indigenous traditions
and industrial progress, shaping a resilient yet challenged community in
Siberia's rugged landscape.
Tashtagol is a town in southern Siberia, serving as the administrative center of Tashtagol District in Kemerovo Oblast, Russia. It is situated approximately 511 kilometers (318 miles) south of the regional capital, Kemerovo, and about 3,700 to 4,000 kilometers east of Moscow. The town lies at coordinates around 52°46′N 87°52′E, at an elevation of roughly 137 meters (450 feet) above sea level. Tashtagol is nestled within the region known as Gornaya Shoria (Mountain Shoria), which forms the southern part of Kemerovo Oblast and extends east of the Altai Mountains. This area is part of the broader South Siberian Mountains system, characterized by rugged, forested highlands that transition between the Siberian taiga and more southern steppe influences. Gornaya Shoria itself covers a vast, remote territory, blending dense forests, river valleys, and mountain spurs, making it a gateway to some of Siberia's most pristine wilderness areas.
The topography of Tashtagol and the surrounding Gornaya Shoria is predominantly mountainous and hilly, with a mix of plateaus, ridges, and deep valleys carved by glacial and riverine activity over millennia. The terrain is rugged, featuring steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and extensive forested areas typical of the Siberian taiga biome. Much of the landscape is covered in coniferous forests interspersed with meadows and wetlands in lower elevations. The area includes picturesque rock formations, caves, and cliffs along rivers, which add to its dramatic scenery. Elevation varies significantly, from river valleys around 100-200 meters to peaks exceeding 1,000-1,500 meters in the nearby ranges. This varied relief supports diverse microclimates and ecosystems, from sheltered valleys to exposed summits prone to harsh winds.
Tashtagol is positioned amid several mountain systems that define Gornaya Shoria's geography. The region encompasses spurs of the Abakan Range to the south, the Salair Ridge to the west, and the Kuznetsk Alatau to the east. These form part of the larger Altai-Sayan mountain system, which influences the area's tectonics and biodiversity. Notable peaks include Mount Kuylyum, famous for its ridgecrests and summit formations often referred to as the Gornaya Shoria megaliths—massive, naturally stacked granite blocks that resemble ancient ruins, reaching heights of up to 200 meters in some areas. These "megaliths" are geological features formed by erosion and weathering, adding a unique element to the landscape. Other mountains in the vicinity, such as those around the Sheregesh ski resort (about 20 km from Tashtagol), rise to around 1,270 meters and are blanketed in snow for much of the year, supporting winter tourism.
The hydrography of Tashtagol is dominated by the Kondoma River, upon which the town is directly situated. This river, a tributary of the Tom River, flows through the region, creating fertile valleys and opportunities for activities like rafting. Nearby, the Mrassu River (also known as Mras-Su) and its tributaries, such as the Mundybash and Uchelen, add to the network of waterways, often featuring scenic bridges, confluences, and rocky gorges. These rivers originate from mountain springs and snowmelt, contributing to seasonal flooding in spring and low flows in winter when they freeze over. The area also includes small lakes, wetlands, and underground caves with water features, enhancing the hydrological diversity.
Tashtagol experiences a subarctic climate (Köppen classification: Dfc), characterized by severe, long winters, short cool summers, and no distinct dry season. Winters are harsh, with average January temperatures ranging from -12°C to -20°C (10°F to -4°F), and extremes dropping below -40°C (-40°F). Snow cover persists for 6-7 months, from October to April, with significant accumulation supporting skiing and other winter activities. Summers are mild and brief, typically from June to August, with averages of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), though nights can be cool. Precipitation is moderate year-round, around 600-800 mm annually, peaking in summer with thunderstorms and fog in valleys. The mountainous terrain amplifies weather variability, with higher elevations cooler and windier. Climate change impacts, such as warmer winters, are increasingly noted in Siberia, potentially affecting snow reliability for tourism.
The flora of Tashtagol and Gornaya Shoria is dominated by taiga forests, including vast stands of Siberian cedar (Pinus sibirica), fir, spruce, birch, and aspen. Relic groves of lime trees (Tilia) add biodiversity, particularly in sheltered valleys. Meadows feature wildflowers, berries (like lingonberries and blueberries), and mosses in wetland areas. Pine nuts from cedars are a key harvestable resource. Fauna is typical of Siberian wilderness: mammals include brown bears, Siberian roe deer, elk, wolves, foxes, and squirrels. Bird species range from eagles and owls to migratory waterfowl along rivers. The region's remoteness supports endangered species like the snow leopard in higher mountains, though human activities like mining pose threats. Fur hunting remains a traditional practice among indigenous Shors.
Gornaya Shoria is resource-rich, forming part of the Kuznetsk Coal Basin (Kuzbass), one of Russia's largest coal deposits. Tashtagol itself has historical ties to iron ore mining, with deposits of magnetite and other minerals scattered throughout the mountains. Timber from forests supports logging, while rivers provide hydropower potential. The area's natural beauty drives ecotourism and sustainable harvesting of non-timber products like pine nuts and medicinal herbs.
Standout features include the Gornaya Shoria megaliths on Mount Kuylyum, which attract geologists and adventurers for their enigmatic, wall-like granite formations. Caves, such as those along rivers, offer spelunking opportunities, while the Sheregesh ski resort highlights the winter landscape. Environmentally, the region faces challenges from mining pollution and deforestation, but protected areas preserve biodiversity. Indigenous Shor culture ties deeply to the land, with traditions centered on harmony with nature. Overall, Tashtagol's geography embodies Siberia's wild essence, blending isolation, natural wealth, and seasonal extremes.
Tashtagol is the
terminal station of the South Kuzbass branch of the West-Siberian
Railway. Communication with large stations is carried out by means
of the Tashtagol - Novokuznetsk electric train. There are three
stations in the city: Kondoma, about. n. 572 km (in the Ust-Shalym
microdistrict) and Tashtagol proper (in the old town).
In
2008, the Tashtagol - Turochak highway was opened, connecting the
Kemerovo region and the Altai Republic.
Bus communication
with Novokuznetsk, Mezhdurechensk, Kemerovo, Biysk, Gorno-Altaysk
and with the villages of the Tashtagol region.
The local
airport operates flights to remote and hard-to-reach villages of the
Tashtagol region, as well as neighboring regions - Khakassia and
Gorny Altai.
The main type of urban and suburban
communication is the buses of the Tashtagol GPATP KO.
As of
January 2015, the cost of travel around the city in buses is 15
rubles.
Museum of Ethnography and Nature of Gornaya Shoria. In 2010, a stationary diorama of the Kabyrzin princess necropolis was opened in the museum.
A television
First channel
Russia 1 / GTRK Kuzbass
Russia 24
/ GTRK Kuzbass
NTV / EfirT
radio stations
69.80 VHF - Radio
Russia / Radio Kuzbass (silent)
71.69 VHF - Radio Mayak (silent)
98.9 FM - (PLAN) Autoradio
100.7 FM - (PLAN) Radio Vanya
101.7 FM
- (PLAN) Radio ENERGY
102.8 FM - Radio Russia / Radio Kuzbass
104.3 FM - Radio Record
107.5 FM - Radio Shoria
A. M. Tuleev, Governor of the Kemerovo region
Sophronius,
Archbishop of Kemerovo and Novokuznetsk
Yuri Arbachakov, 10-time
world boxing champion
G. L. Akbulatova, director of the Tashtagol
school No. 1
N. D. Simanovskaya, Head of the Department of General
Surgery of the Central City Hospital of Tashtagol
N. I. Shatilov,
Director for General Affairs of KMK OJSC, former Mayor of Tashtagol
V. I. Kharkovsky, Deputy Head of the Tashtagol District for Road
Facilities, Construction and Housing Accounting
V. I. Gromadsky,
director of the Tashtagol mine from 1963 to 1985
Yu. S. Aylarov,
boxing coach
A. I. Kopytov, Deputy Governor of the Kemerovo Region
V. G. Safonov, head of the mine of the Tashtagol mine
D. S. Pashin,
head of the mine of the Kazsky mine
L. A. Svetlyakova, Honored
Builder
A. Ya. Sazonov, the first chairman of the Council of Veterans
of the city