For those unfamiliar with the term ‘Oblast’, its usage merely refers to an administrative district of Slavic countries as a whole but it is used greatly in connection with countries of the former Soviet Union.
In Kazakhstan, the oblast closest to the border with Russia is the Pavlodar Oblast while back in Russia itself, the oblast bordering Kazakhstan is Omskaya Oblast. While this region may be largely unknown outside of Russia, it has become increasingly popular with tourists in recent years and the capital Omsk in particular is a fascinating city of contrasts.
Around Omsk
Throughout history, Omsk has been known as one of Siberia’s most important cities and its location along the Trans Siberian railway has made it an excellent stopping point for tourists throughout the ages.
Omsk was founded in 1716 as Russia’s empire began to expand further into the south and it remains one of the biggest cities in Russia today. The city retains many of its historical features including some fascinating architecture that dates from Omsk’s foundation right through to the present day.
Memories of bleakest Siberia
With Siberia being such a focal point for exiled Russians over the years, many of the most notorious figures spent some time in Omsk. Dostoevsky is just one of many literary figures who found himself despatched to Omsk but thankfully his legacy has been well cared for and lovers of Russian literature can find homage to his work here.
If you are lucky enough to find yourself in the Omskaya oblast bordering Kazakhstan, there is plenty more to see and do including the former West Siberian governor’s mansion and the impressive Vrubel Art Museum.
Beyond Omsk
While Omsk remains as the most visited of cities in the oblast bordering Kazakhstan, there are other fine destinations in the area as a whole.
Tara is one of the original cities of Old Siberia and while it remains a little less open to tourists, there are some fascinating sights here for those who want to see something of the historic southern part of the ancient Russian Empire.
Elsewhere, Bolsherechye is an old fortress city which now has a well equipped zoo and for tourists visiting Omsk, this is well worth a day trip to see.
Darker times
Sadly, wherever you go in Russia, you are never far away from some of the bleaker aspects of the country’s history and the area around Omskaya Oblast is no exception.
It’s still a sad fact that when many people outside Russia think of Siberia, they cast their mind to the exile and the many gulags that sprung up here during Stalin’s ruthless rule.
This in itself does seem to provide a kind of macabre tourist attraction and the gulag at Archair, just outside Omsk has now been turned into a beautiful convent in a rather strange juxtaposition.
Whatever your reasons for visiting the area, the Omskaya Oblast is testament to the fact that there is much more than Moscow as far as tourism in Russia is concerned.
