Cherkasy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cherkasy Черкаси
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Cherkasy Location in Cherkasy Oblast Show map of Cherkasy Oblast Cherkasy Location in Ukraine Show map of Ukraine
Country	Ukraine
Oblast	Cherkasy Oblast
Raion	Cherkasy Raion
Hromada	Cherkasy urban hromada
First mentioned	1286
City status	1795
Area
• Land	69 km2 (27 sq mi)
Elevation	110 m (360 ft)
Population  (2022)
• Total	269,836
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code	18000 – 18499
Area code(s)	+380 472
Licence plate	CA, IA
Sister cities	Bydgoszcz, Sumgait, Santa Rosa
Website	chmr.gov.ua/

Cherkasy (Ukrainian: Черкаси, pronounced [tʃerˈkɑsɪ]) is a city in central Ukraine. It is the main city of Cherkasy Oblast (a region) and Cherkasy Raion (a district). About 270,000 people live here.

Cherkasy is an important place for culture, education, and industry in its region. The city has been around since the 13th century. It played a big part in Ukrainian history. It was a center for the Cossacks, who were like brave warriors. People from Cherkasy joined in famous Cossack uprisings.

The city is on the right bank of the Dnieper River, next to the Kremenchuk Reservoir. It's about 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. Cherkasy is split into two main parts: Sosnivskyi and Prydniprovskyi. In 2011, the city celebrated its 725th birthday!

Exploring Cherkasy: Location and Climate

Where is Cherkasy Located?

Cherkasy sits on a high bank of the Dnieper River, right in the middle of the Kremenchuk Reservoir. The city's older parts were shaped by Zamkova (Castle) mountain, where an old castle once stood. Most of Cherkasy is flat land.

The city covers an area of about 69 square kilometers (27 square miles). It stretches for 17 kilometers (11 miles) along the Kremenchuk Reservoir. Its widest part is only 8 kilometers (5 miles) across.

To the north-west, Cherkasy is surrounded by a large forest. This Cherkasy Forest is Ukraine's biggest natural pine forest, covering about 28,500 hectares (70,000 acres).

What is Cherkasy's Climate Like?

View from Hill of Glory on the Rose Valley and water reservoir.

Cherkasy has a mild climate. Winters are usually gentle and snowy, while summers are warm.

The average yearly temperature is about 7.7 degrees Celsius (45.9°F). In January, the coldest month, the average temperature is -5.9 degrees Celsius (21.4°F). July is the warmest month, with an average of 19.8 degrees Celsius (67.6°F). Sometimes, summer temperatures can reach 35 degrees Celsius (95°F).

How Clean is Cherkasy's Environment?

The environment in Cherkasy is generally good. The main source of pollution is the "Azot" plant. So, the area near this plant is the most affected. The city center also has some pollution from heavy traffic. Cherkasy was mostly safe from the nuclear pollution of the Chernobyl disaster.

Who Lives in Cherkasy?

As of 2022, Cherkasy has about 269,836 people. The population has been slowly decreasing. This is due to various reasons, including people moving to nearby suburbs.

Most people in Cherkasy are Ukrainians, making up about 83% of the population. Russians are the next largest group, at about 13%. More women live in Cherkasy than men. About 15% of the population are teens under 14.

What Languages are Spoken in Cherkasy?

Most people in Cherkasy speak Ukrainian at home. According to a 2001 census, about 79% of people said Ukrainian was their first language. About 18% said Russian was their first language.

A recent survey in 2023 showed that 80% of people in Cherkasy speak Ukrainian at home. About 18% speak Russian.

A Look Back: Cherkasy's History

When Was Cherkasy Founded?

The exact beginning of Cherkasy is not fully known. Historians believe the city was founded in 1286. It was part of the Kievan Rus' territory. The first written mention of Cherkasy is from 1305. It's listed as an existing city alongside other important places like Kiev.

Cherkasy became a key center for the Cossack movement. Its citizens took part in major uprisings like the Khmelnytsky Uprising (1648-1657) and the Koliivshchyna (1768–1769). The city also faced tough times during the Soviet era and World War II. In 1954, Cherkasy became the main city of Cherkasy Oblast, which is one of Ukraine's newest regions.

Cherkasy Under Different Rulers

Dmytro Baida-Vyshnevetskiy, a famous Cherkasy leader

Ostap Dashkevych, another Cherkasy leader

In the 1360s, Cherkasy became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It was important for defending the southern borders. In 1384, it was recognized as a fortified town against attacks from Crimean Tatars. The city was led by a "headman" or "starosta."

Many important people served as Cherkasy headmen. These included Ostap Dashkevych and Dmytro Vyshnevetsky. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Cherkasy helped the Cossacks settle in southern Ukraine. Its citizens fought against Tatars and Turks. A new Cherkasy Castle was built in 1549–52.

Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky

After 1569, Cherkasy became part of Poland. The Cherkasy Regiment, formed in 1625, was very important. It was one of the strongest military groups during the Khmelnytsky Uprising. After this uprising, Bohdan Khmelnytsky signed an alliance with Muscovy (Russia) in 1654. The war ended in 1667. Cherkasy remained part of Poland.

In 1791, Cherkasy gained Magdeburg rights, which gave it more self-governance. It was a royal city of Poland. But after Poland was divided for the second time in 1793, Cherkasy became part of the Russian Empire.

Cherkasy in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Cherkasy city plan from 1826

In the 1800s, a Scottish architect named William Heste helped plan the city. He designed square blocks with straight streets. Cherkasy grew a lot economically in the second half of the 19th century. When the railroad arrived, many new factories were built. Industries like sugar, tobacco, metalwork, and engineering thrived.

Monument to Holodomor victims

After the October Revolution in 1917, Cherkasy saw many changes in power during the civil war. It finally came under Soviet rule in 1920. Like other places in Ukraine, it suffered from a terrible man-made famine in 1932–1933, known as the Holodomor.

Memorial to the Warriors of the 254th Infantry Division, Liberators of Cherkasy

World War II caused huge damage to Cherkasy. German bombers attacked the city in June 1941. The city was taken by invaders in August 1941. It was freed on December 14, 1943. After the war, the city was rebuilt. In 1954, Cherkasy became the administrative center of the new Cherkasy Oblast. In the 1960s, Cherkasy became a major chemical industry center in Ukraine. Large plants like "Azot" (for fertilizers) were built.

Cherkasy After Independence

After Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union, some industries in Cherkasy faced challenges. Many large factories were privatized. Some adapted and became successful, like the "Azot" plant. Others, like the "Bogdan Corporation", started producing buses and cars.

In 2008, the monument of Lenin was removed from the central square. This square is now called "Soborna Square" (Cathedral Square). In 2009, Cherkasy International Airport gained international status.

Since July 2020, Cherkasy is part of the Cherkasy Raion. The city has been affected by air strikes and missile attacks during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Getting Around Cherkasy

Public Transport in Cherkasy

Cherkasy International Airport

Cherkasy has public transport like trolleybuses and buses. Trolleybuses started in 1965 and run on 10 routes. Buses are mostly "Etalon", "Bohdan", and "PAZ" models.

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  Cherkasy trolleybus LAZ E183

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  PAZ-3206

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  Cherkasy-made "Bohdan" bus in the street

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  Cherkasy trolleybus ACSM-321

Roads and Railways in Cherkasy

View from bridge (P10) over railway and H16

Cherkasy is an important transport hub because it's in the center of Ukraine. Two main roads pass through the city:  H16  (from Uman to Zolotonosha) and  P10  (from Kaniv to Kremenchuk). There's also a 4-lane highway connecting Cherkasy to Smila.

Cherkasy railway station

The Cherkasy railway station is the main train station. It has regular connections to nearby cities. The major Odesa-Moscow train route also goes through Cherkasy. A very important railway junction is in Smila, just 23 km (14 miles) away.

Air and Water Travel in Cherkasy

Cherkasy has a small riverport on the Kremenchuk reservoir. It's mainly used for cargo and tour boats now.

Cherkasy International Airport is on the west side of the city. It handles chartered flights within Ukraine. It can also be used as an alternative airport for Boryspil International Airport near Kyiv.

Cherkasy's Economy

Cherkasy is a key economic center in Ukraine. It has various industries, but the chemical, automotive, and food industries are especially strong. Cherkasy's industries produce a large part of the income for the entire Cherkasy Oblast.

Some of the main industries include:

• Chemical industry: JSC "AZOT" (fertilizers), "Aurora" (paints).
• Light industry: "Cherkasy Silk combine", "Laventa" (shoes).
• Mechanical engineering: "CherkasyElevatorMash", "Bogdan" corporation plants (assembling "Hyundai" cars, "Isuzu" trucks, and "Bogdan" buses).
• Food industry: "Buasson-Elit" (distillery), "Iuria" (milk processing), "Svit Lasoschiv" (confectionery).
• IT business: Many IT companies like uCoz and SPD-Ukraine.

Learning in Cherkasy

Cherkasy National University

Cherkasy has many different types of schools and learning places. These include kindergartens, regular schools, and universities. Both public and private options are available.

There are 50 kindergartens for young children. For older students, there are 21 general schools and 14 special schools. These include lyceums, gymnasiums, and specialized schools.

Some of the higher education places are:

• The Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy
• Cherkasy State Technological University [uk]
• Academy of Fire Safety of Heroes of Chornobyl
• East European University of Economics and Management (private)

Men's gymnasium

There are also several colleges:

• Cherkasy Medical Academy [uk]
• Cherkasy State Business College [uk]
• Cherkasy Musical College [uk]

The city has several public libraries, including the Central Library of Lesia Ukrainka and the City Library for Youth and Children.

Fun and Culture in Cherkasy

Cherkasy is a vibrant cultural center. It has several theaters, a philharmonic orchestra, cinemas, museums, and clubs. There are also three indoor skating rinks. People can relax in the city's many parks and gardens, or visit the zoo. Cherkasy even has its own planetarium.

Cherkasy Museums

Cherkasy Oblast Local History Museum

Some of the biggest museums in Cherkasy are:

• Cherkasy Oblast Local History Museum: This museum shows items from the history, nature, culture, and traditions of the Cherkasy region.
• "Kobzar" Museum of Taras Shevchenko: This is a unique museum dedicated to just one book, the "Kobzar" by the famous Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko.
• Cherkasy Art Museum: A large museum that hosts different art exhibitions all year.
• Cherkasy Literary Memorial Museum of Vasyl Symonenko: Dedicated to the Ukrainian poet Vasyl Symonenko.

Theatres and Music in Cherkasy

Cherkasy Philharmonic

Cherkasy has several theaters:

• Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian Academic Drama Theatre of Cherkasy
• Cherkasy Academic Puppet Theater
• Youth Theater "Suchasnyk"

The city has its own philharmonic orchestra, started in 1955. The "Druzhba Narodiv" (Friendship of Nations) concert hall hosts major concerts. There are also many local cultural clubs.

Cherkasy has four modern movie theaters: "Salut", "Ukraine", "Dnipro Plaza", and "Lubava".

Parks and Recreation in Cherkasy

Park Peremohy (Victory Park) in summer

Cherkasy is known as a green city because of its many parks. The main parks include:

• Park Peremohy (Victory Park): This park also has a zoo.
• Sobornyi Park (Cathedral Park)
• Dolyna Troiand (Rose Valley)

The Dnipro River beaches are popular for summer fun. The city's coastline is about 15 km (9 miles) long, mostly with sandy beaches. There are also several hotels and recreational places.

Festivals in Cherkasy

Wood sculptures at "Drevlyandia" festival

Cherkasy is famous for its sculpture festivals:

• "Kryzhtal": Held in winter, with sculptures made of ice.
• "Drevlyandia": Held in summer, with sculptures made of wood placed in parks.
• "Zhyvyi Kamin": Held in autumn, with sculptures made of stone.

Along with "Zhyvyi Kamin", "Cherkasy's Singing Nights" are held in an open-air theater. Since 2003, Cherkasy hosts the international bike festival "Tarasova Gora". This is the biggest bike festival in Ukraine, bringing together bikers from many countries.

Sports in Cherkasy

Central stadium

Sports in Cherkasy happen at places like the Central Stadium, Water Sport station, and various sport centers. The city has two ice rinks and several swimming pools.

More than 200 sports events, competitions, and tournaments are held in Cherkasy each year. These events involve about 10,000 participants.

Some notable sports achievements and events:

• The European Women's Powerlifting Championships were held here in 1998.
• Cherkasy hosted the Ukrainian Aquabike Cup in 2008.
• The city is home to the football club FC Dnipro Cherkasy.
• Cherkasy is home to the basketball club BC Cherkasy (also known as the Cherkasy Monkeys).
• The city has volleyball clubs like Krug Cherkasy and Impexagro Sport Cherkasy.

Cherkasy's Buildings and Sights

City Wedding Palace

Kreshchatyk Street in Cherkasy circa 1910, with Slovyanskiy Hotel.

Cherkasy has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout its history. Only a few buildings from the 19th century remain. The layout of the streets and squares in the old part of the city is a good example of 19th-century city planning.

• Scherbina House (Wedding Palace): This was the most luxurious house before the revolution. It was built in 1892. Today, it's used as the Wedding Palace, where people get married.
• Former "Slavyanskiy" Hotel: Built in the late 19th century, this building is now a bank.
• Tsybulsky House (Museum of Kobzar): This historic building from the mid-19th century houses a unique museum about the book "Kobzar" by Taras Shevchenko.
• Castle Hill (Hill of Glory): This memorial complex has a monument called "Motherland." An ancient Cossack fort and Cherkasy fortress once stood here. From the top, you can see a great view of the Kremenchuk Reservoir.
• Local History Museum: Housed in a modern building from 1985, this museum has about 12,000 exhibits. They cover the region's nature, archaeology, history, and culture.
• Puppet Theatre: The Cherkasy Regional Academic Puppet Theater is in a beautiful 19th-century building. It's decorated with mosaics of fairy tale characters.
• School of Music: This building was built in 1903 as a boys' gymnasium. It was designed by the famous architect V. Gorodetsky. Later, it became a music school.

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  Building of the former Slovyanskyi Hotel, now a bank

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  Administration building

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  Cherkasy Philharmonic. The building is located in downtown, and was recently renovated

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  A building on Vyshnevetskoho street, Cherkasy

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  Fire station

Famous People from Cherkasy

Olga Bielkova, 2019

Many talented people have come from Cherkasy:

• Anna Asti (born 1990), a Ukrainian pop singer.
• Olga Bielkova (born 1975), a former member of the Ukrainian Parliament.
• Yuri Ilyenko (1936–2010), a film director and screenwriter.
• Irena Karpa (born 1980), a Ukrainian writer, journalist, and singer.
• Andriy Khlyvnyuk (born 1979), the lead singer of the band BoomBox.
• Louis Krasner (1903–1995), a famous American classical violinist.
• Oleksandr Skichko (born 1991), a Ukrainian politician and TV presenter.
• Roman Sushchenko (born 1969), a Ukrainian journalist and artist.

Vitaliy Mykolenko, 2019

In sports, Cherkasy is home to:

• Artem Dovbyk (born 1997), a footballer who plays for the Ukrainian national team.
• Serhiy Kulish (born 1993), an Olympic silver medalist in sport shooting.
• Illia Kovtun (born 2003), a Ukrainian artistic gymnast and 2024 Olympic silver medalist.
• Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (born 1997), a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics.
• Vitaliy Mykolenko (born 1999), a footballer for Everton F.C. and the Ukrainian national team.

Sister Cities

Cherkasy has "sister city" relationships with other cities around the world. This helps them share culture and ideas. Some of its sister cities include:

Images for kids

See also

In Spanish: Cherkasy para niños