The South window of Ukraine in Europe

In 1794, a new seaport has been founded on the spot of the Turkish fortress Hadgybey – it is Odessa. Convinient geographical position and excellent trade opportunities have been attracting emigrants and merchants from European and Asian countries and in a short space of time it has transformed Odessa into one of the richest towns of the Russian Empire. In 1910 Odessa became the third biggest town in the Russian Empire, economical, scientific and cultural centre on its south borders. Only a few towns in the world can be proud of gaining such world-wide fame during only 200 years of its existence.