Tomsk

Tomsk is a city in Russia and the administrative center of Tomsk Oblast, located in western Siberia on the Tom River. It is one of the oldest settlements in the region, founded in 1604 as a fortress to secure Russian expansion and to serve as a trading and administrative hub.

Historically, Tomsk developed as a regional center for governance and commerce, and from the 19th century it became a major focal point for education and science in Siberia. The city today is known as a university town, hosting several higher education institutions, including Tomsk State University, which contribute to a large student population and to research activity in the area. Its architectural heritage includes a substantial number of wooden houses and historic streets dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Administratively, Tomsk is the capital of Tomsk Oblast and functions as a key cultural and educational center in western Siberia. The local economy is driven by education, research, and services, with manufacturing and forestry playing smaller roles. The city is served by Bogashevo Airport and is connected by rail and road to other parts of Russia.

Tomsk experiences a subarctic humid climate, characterized by long cold winters and short warm summers. Culturally, it maintains a vibrant educational and scientific community, along with museums, theatres, and cultural events that reflect its long-standing role as a center of knowledge in the region.