Geography of Crimea: “Soviet Riviera”

Crimea, considered “Soviet Riviera” is distinct for its geography. The harbors of Crimea are an integral part of Geography of Crimea. Crimea is an autonomous republic of Ukraine that has an illustrious history to boast. It is situated along the northern coast of the Black Sea. The coastline of Crimea is divided into many bays and harbors. The Harbors and the Crimean Mountain Range are integral parts of the Geography of Crimea. The place synonymous with Crimean Tartars has their imprints in the form of the structures built by them. Mosques, monasteries, resorts, mountainous terrains are all part of the imposing topography of Crimea.

An integral part of the Ukraine, Autonomous Republic of Crimea has an illustrious history which is replete with conquests and independence. Located along the northern coast of the Black Sea, the coastline of Crimea is sectioned into many bays and harbors. It is flanked by the western coastal area of the Sea of Azov. Isthumus of Perekop which is around four miles wide connects Crimea to the mainland. The harbors of Crimea significantly feature in the Geography of Crimea.

The harbors of Crimea are located on the west of Isthumus of Perekop, near the Bay of Karkinit. It is located on the southwest, near the bay of Kalamita. The major ports of the area are Eupatoria and Sevastopol. The harbors of the northern part are located near the Bay of Arabat of Kerch. They are located on the south near the Bay of Caffa and the port of Feodosiya.

Kerch Peninsula and Taman Peninsula feature as an integral part of the Geography of Crimea. The eastern tip of Crimea touches the Kerch Peninsula. Kerch Peninsula is located on the Russian mainland, opposite to the Taman Peninsula. A 3-13 km wide Strait of Kerch that connects the Black Sea and Sea of Azov is situated between the peninsulas of Kerch and Taman.

Crimea’s southeast coast has a parallel range of mountains called the Crimean Moutains at five to eight miles distance from the sea. The Mountain range also has secondary parallel range of mountains. Crimea also comprises semiarid prairie land and a Pontic Steppes. Green mountains are located near Balaklava. The Crimean mountain range is an important landmark in Geography of Crimea. Cape Fiolente, is nearly 600-750 meters high from the sea floor of Black Sea. Then temple of Artemis is said to have located in this area.

There are many burial grounds or kurgans of the Scythians are found in the Crimean Steppes, which are a part of the Geography of Crimea, once called “Soviet Riviera”. The landscape that exists beyond the Crimean Mountain range has a distinct character attributed to it. Green seems to be the color for all seasons in this area. Greenery dominates the slope of mountains and the narrow coast. The area runs along the southeastern part of the coast, from the Cape Sarych, located in the farthest south. It comprises of summer sea-bathing resorts like the Yalta, Gurzuf, Sudak, Feodosiya, Alushta and Alupka.

These resorts are a part of the Geography of Crimea. The resorts were an integral part of the politically loyal people’s lifestyle, during the Soviet Rule. The region is filled with vineyards and fruit orchards. The region is popular for fishing, mining and production of essential oils. The region synonymous with the Crimean Tatars is replete with Crimean Tatar villages, monasteries, palaces and mosques attributed to the Russian imperial family. Crimea also has many medieval and Greek castles. This land with a diverse history and rich history is distinct for its Geography.