Izmail
Danube port city
Izmail is a city in Odesa Oblast, Ukraine, and the administrative center of Izmail Raion. It is located in the south of the region, on the left bank of the Danube River, in the Kiliya branch, approximately 80 kilometers from the Black Sea coast. With an area of 53.5 km² and a population of about 69,932 people as of 2022, Izmail is the second-largest city in Odesa Oblast by population.
The history of Izmail dates back to the 9th–10th centuries when it was part of Kyivan Rus, and later was under the influence of the Principality of Galicia-Volhynia. In the late 15th century, the settlement, then called Smil, was captured by the Turks and transformed into the Izmail fortress, which had important strategic significance. The city repeatedly changed hands between various empires, in particular, it became a significant seaport after joining the Russian Empire in 1812, and since 1991, it has been part of independent Ukraine.
1812
Izmail became a district town and began to develop as a significant sea and river port
1813
A quarantine office was established, marking the beginning of the history of the Izmail port
1828
The port of Izmail received the right to free trade, contributing to its active development
1830
Izmail officially received city status
1892
The first stone embankment was built in the port, improving its infrastructure
1945
The city port was extensively restored and reconstructed after the war, significantly increasing its capacity
1954
Izmail became a district center, confirming its administrative importance in the region
1994
The Izmail Sea Commercial Port was registered as an independent state enterprise of Ukraine
2023
The Izmail port prematurely fulfilled its annual cargo handling plan, demonstrating economic efficiency
2024
The Izmail Sea Commercial Port celebrated its 210th anniversary since its establishment
