Brief History of Salt Lake Sister City
and Izhevsk, Russia Sister City

Izhevsk is the capital of Udmurt Republic, Russia, a large industrial, cultural and scientific center with a population exceeding 650, 000 people. It is located in the European part of Russia between the Volga River and the Ural Mountains.[nggallery id=9]

Izhevsk was founded in 1760. From its very beginning, until present, the leading industry of Izhevsk was focused on defense armament production. During WWII Izhevsk became famous as a producer of assault rifles. After the war ended the plants and factories of Izhevsk began to develop and produce the Kalashnikov automatic machine-gun, otherwise known as the AK-47 assault rifle (and non-military version of the AK-series rifles, semi-automatic rifle Saiga, that are marketed for hunting and civilian use). Its legendary designer, Lieutenant-General Mikhail Kalashnikov is an Honorary Citizen and resident of Izhevsk. Izhevsk’s arms design and develop traditions are considered to be one of the best in the world. Secondary to defense manufacture, Izhevsk, also has motorcycle and automobile production plants, known by brand name IZH, steel production plant.

Izhevsk is renowned for its great educational, intellectual and scientific-research and attracts investigators from different fields held within twenty-three scientific centers. Four state universities, three private universities and ten colleges provide the professional training in multiple occupational areas, such as medicine, art, law, education, engineering, science, agriculture, and etc.

Izhevsk has a rich cultural life. Five theatres, four concert halls, sixteen recreational centers and clubs, fifty libraries, twelve art schools for children, six cinemas and six museums are found here. One of the greatest Russian composers Peter Tchaikovsky was born and spent his childhood near Izhevsk. Every spring different music festivals devoted to Tchaikovsky’s creative works are held.

The history of the partnership between Salt Lake City and Izhevsk started in 2003 as a Friendship relationship. A joint resolution of the City Council and the Mayor of Salt Lake City approving the establishment of a “Sister City” relationship between Izhevsk, Russia and Salt Lake City, Utah was adopted in October 2011. Members of the Salt Lake City—Izhevsk Sister City Committee are comprised of people who were born in Izhevsk and are now living in Salt Lake City, as well as people who have visited Russia.

With the help of volunteers within the organization, the Sister City relationship offers opportunities to experience cross-cultural activities including the exhibition of children’s paintings from the Izhevsk Art School. Our humanitarian efforts sent supplies and equipment to the Association of Disable People of Izhevsk; and we participated in a Charity motorcycle ride benefiting the Woman’s Military Service Memorial. Our educational endeavors include a student exchange program for students of Salt Lake City and Izhevsk. Our Sister City Organization also takes part in international festivals, concerts, Russian festivals within Salt Lake City, Russian-New Years Children’s Pageants held in Salt Lake City; and hosted artists, scientists, doctors from Izhevsk, and visitors from Open World delegations, an organization that promotes cross cultural exchange. Ongoing exchanges such as these in the fields of business, culture and education, promote a mutual understanding to the benefit of citizens in both cities.

Official Izhevsk’s site is: http://www.izh.ru/en/welcome.