Astrakhan

Astrakhan is the largest city and administrative centre of Astrakhan Oblast in Southern Russia. The city lies on two banks of the Volga, in the upper part of the Volga Delta, on eleven islands of the Caspian Depression, 60 miles from the Caspian Sea, with a population of over 529,739 residents. At an elevation of 28 meters below sea level, it is the lowest city in Russia.

Astrakhan was formerly the capital of the Khanate of Astrakhan, and was located on the higher right bank of the Volga, 7 miles from the present-day city. Situated on caravan and water routes, it developed from a village into a large trading centre, before being conquered by Timur in 1395 and captured by Ivan the Terrible in 1556. In 1558 it was moved to its present site.