History

Four centuries ago to the court of Boris Godunov came the Embassy led by Toyan, the Prince of Tatars living in Eushta, requesting acceptance of their territories under the rule of the Russian Empire. The tsar ordered then to construct the fortress on the river Tom to protect the new territories from attacks by belligerent neighbors, the Yenisey Kyrgyz and the Kalmyks. By early October 1604 the construction works were accomplished and Tomsk became an important strategic center that repelled the attacks of the nomads up to the end of the XVII century. Today a fragment of fortress wall is restored at Resurrection Hill where the Tomsk History Museum is located.

The new page of Tomsk history started in 1878, when the Emperor Alexander II signed the order to found in Tomsk the first University in the East of the Urals. In 1888, 72 freshmen were enrolled to the Siberian Imperial University in Tomsk.

Several years later, in 1896, the new Emperor Nicholas I decreed to establish the fourth in the country and the first in Siberia Tomsk Technology Institute (Tomsk Polytechnic University nowadays).

Today the city of Tomsk is home to six state universities: Tomsk State University, Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk State University of Architecture and Building, and Tomsk State Pedagogical University. This academic cohort delivers a large variety of degree programs in different study fields. Tomsk is the only city of Russia specifying in its Charter that academic activity is an integral and dominant urban element and part of its economy.

Religion

Various temples adorn the streets and squares of Tomsk and serve as spiritual centers for its residents and guests. For Muslims the White and Red Cathedral Mosques open their doors in one of the historical districts of Tomsk – Tatar Village. The major Christian branches are represented by a number of temples, and there is even a friary located in the city center. The Choral Synagogue warmly welcomes Jewish religion disciples from all over the world.

In Tomsk, religious and ethnic festivities are an important part of the city’s cultural life. Easter and Christmas, Maslenitsa, Qurban Bayrami and Sabantuy, Pesach all become joyous events for many city dwellers, regardless of their religion. One of the largest annual cultural events is the Readings for the Memorial of St. Cyril and Methodius that usually engage numerous participants from Tomsk universities.

Even if you do not follow any religion, you will appreciate the view of the Epiphany Cathedral and the Resurrection Church, the White Mosque and the Catholic Church, and the wooden Lutheran Church. All of these are active places of worship, masterpieces of architecture and monuments of cultural heritage.

Safety and comfort

Tomsk is an official student capital that ranks third in Russia in the QS Best Student Cities ranking, second only to Moscow and Saint Petersburg. But in contrast to the busy mega-cities, Tomsk is a classic university town, cozy and safe.

The center of Tomsk is a large campus. The central avenue is lined with buildings of six universities, student dormitories, libraries, public gardens, museums, and cafes, all within walking distance of each other.

Tomsk is surrounded by the forest, and the Tom River cuts right through the city center: ample opportunities await anyone who seeks to experience nature. No need to travel far, the “Polytechnic” stadium and numerous city parks offer picturesque views and pleasant tracking paths.

A large choice of sport activities available both during the summer and winter time, among them are skiing, martial arts, paragliding, hiking and diving.

Tomsk region consistently ranks among the top ten Russian regions in the environmental ranking, and is a national leader in terms of availability of healthcare services. The city has world-class medical centers, and an interuniversity polyclinic for students that provides English-language service to international patients.