The north of Black Sea Coast has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archeologists find traces of ancient civilizations of Earth, beginning of Tripoli culture.
First written evidences of settlements in this region
came to us from ancient Greeks, which formed more than dozens of colonies with
the centre in Olbia on the coast of Southern
Bug.
On the territory of modern Odessa a large Greek settlement
Histria and harbor Isakion(later port Skopeli) were founded in the middle of 6th century B.C. In the immediate proximity Greeks also settled
following colonies: Nikonion ( on Dnestr, where now is Ovidiopol located), Tyra
( on the right side of Dnestrovsky Liman coast), Isakion ( on the Sukhoi
Liman), Skopilos ( on the Small Adzhalyk Estuary), Odissos or Ordessos ( Tylihul Estuary) and
Alektos ( on the place of future Ochakov).
All the above mentioned colony-ports, including Istrion located on the modern Odessa were
under administrative subordination of the city- state Olbia.
The devastation of the north side of Black sea Coast
in the 3rd and 4th centuries E.C. during the Migration
Period has probably caused the
devastation of Greek colonies , located on the coast of Odessa bay.
Starting from the 8th century AD both
coasts of Dnestr until the Black sea were inhabited by Slavic tribes: Tivertsi
and Ulichs.
During the second half of 14th century the
territory of Odessa region was controlled by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In
the 16th century the Black
Sea Coast was occupied by Osman Empire, that founded a whole chain of well
armed fortresses, including an unassailable Ismail on Dunai.
Although in the end of 18th century all
these fortresses were occupied by armies of Russian Empire, which was supported
by the squads of Ukrainian Cossacks.
By the legend, on the ball of Katherine the Great
there were talks about the recently reclaimed from Turks fortress Khadjibey.
Someone of the courtiers, knowing the Empress’ passion to rename the reclaimed
territories with Greek names, remembered about the ancient Greek colony
Odessos. And then Katherine commanded: rename the Hocabey by a female version
of the Greek word – Odessa.
For the Russian Empire Odessa became a southern gate
to Europe and Mediterranean and a starting point for a following expansion to
Balkans.
When Ukraine gained its Independence Odessa became the
main sea port of the country and an international tourism centre. Odessa’s
market “7th kilometer” is the biggest commodities market in Europe.
The city itself hosts hundreds of festivals, including the well-known musical
and cinematic ones.
Because of the constant mix of nationalities and cultures in the city, it formed and absolutely unique type of citizens- odessits, that shine with a special philosophy, one and only accent and inexterminable sense of humor.