}. Population: 521,560 (2002 Census). Ryazan is twinned with Münster and Lovech. The strategic bomber base Dyagilevo is found just west of the city, and the abandoned air base of Aleksandrovo is to the southeast as is the small Ryazan Turlatovo Airport.
History
It is argued that the Ryazan kremlin was founded in 1095 by Russian settlers, as a step of their drive into the territory previously populated by Finnic peoples. Initially it was built of wood, gradually replaced by masonry. The oldest preserved part of the kremlin dates back to the 15th century.
However, the city is first mentioned as Pereslavl'-Ryazansky only in 1301. At the time it was part of the Ryazan Principality, independent from 1129. The first ruler of Ryazan was supposedly Yaroslav Sviatoslavich, Prince of Chernigov (a city of Kievan Rus'), later Prince of Murom-Ryzan.
This area, situated as it is at the junction of forest and steppe zones, suffered from numerous invasions from the south: khazars, pechenegs, polovtsians. The early capital of the principality, Ryazan was the first Russian city to meet the Mongols of Batu Khan. On December 21, 1237 it was devastated and failed to recover to its previous position. This site is now known as Staraya Ryazan (Old Ryazan) and is situated some 50 km from the actual Ryazan (then Pereslavl-Ryazansky).
Late in the 13th century the Princes of Ryazan moved their capital to Pereslavl, which is known as Ryazan from the 16th century (officially renamed in 1778). The principality was finally incorporated into that of Moscow in 1521.
In 1990 it hosted a group of hot air balloonists from the United Kingdom. 24 balloons arrived by road whilst the crews flew from London to Moscow then travelled by bus to Ryazan. Each crew was allocated an interpreter who advised them on local customs. The crews spent about a week in Ryazan and made several flights over the area. The Red Army provided the retrieve vehicles for the teams (two balloons to a vehicle).
Modern Ryazan
Ryazan is a fast-changing city, especially in the areas around the Novosyolov and Moskovskoye Shosse streets. Large shopping malls started to appear recently, and a new indoor skating rink was built on the Novosyolov. The city is home to the Airborne Forces academy.
Due to its close location to Moscow (three hours by train) modern Ryazan has a boisterous nightlife. Every weekend local clubs and pubs host euro-dance, house and occasionally RnB parties. Clubs like Sunset, Maska, Molotov, Cosmic and Fusion cocktail hall had gained popularity among Ryazan upscale youth and some foreign students. Newy launched restaurants Nebo, Paravoz and Carroll also host irregular parties.
The main rock scene of the city is legendary Planetary art-club. During nearly 10 years of its existence a wide number of Russian and European rock, punk, numetal, emo and avant-garde bands have performed at Planetary.
Administrative divisions
The city of Ryazan is divided into four administrative districts: Moskovsky, Oktyabrsky, Sovetsky, and Zheleznodorozhny.
Sights of Ryazan
