Yakutsk

1.

Yakutsk
The Coldest City on Earth
Koltovskoy Vladimir’s
B-SAD-25

2.

Geographical Context
• Situated in the Far East of Russia, on the banks of the Lena River.
• It is the capital city of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).
• The city has a population of approximately 350,000 people.
• It is one of the most isolated major cities in the world, accessible
mainly by plane or, during winter, by ice road along the Lena River.

3.

The Climate of Extremes
• Winter: Winters are long, dark, and brutally cold. January average
temperatures hover around -40°C (-40°F).
• Summer: Surprisingly, summers can be hot! July temperatures often
reach +30°C (86°F), creating a massive annual temperature swing of
over 100 degrees Celsius.
• Permafrost: The city is built entirely on permafrost—ground that
remains permanently frozen. This presents unique engineering
challenges.

4.

A Brief History
Yakutsk, the capital of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in Russia, is a city with a rich history dating back to the 17th
century. Today, it is famously known as the largest city built on continuous permafrost and one of the coldest cities in
the world. The city's history began on September 25, 1632, when a detachment of Russian Cossacks led by Pyotr
Beketov established the Lensky Ostrog (fortress) on the right bank of the Lena River. This outpost served as a base for
the Russian exploration and expansion into Eastern Siberia, the Far East, and even Alaska.
In 1822, Yakutsk was officially designated as an "oblast" (region) city, and by 1851, it had become the administrative
center of the Yakut region, which was given the status of a governorate.
Following the Russian Civil War, the Soviet government was established in the region. On April 27, 1922, the Yakut
Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (Yakut ASSR) was formed, with Yakutsk as its capital. This date is considered a
key moment in the modern history of the Sakha people.
During World War II, Yakutsk was a crucial hub for the ALSIB (Alaska-Siberia) air route, which was used to ferry
American Lend-Lease aircraft to the Eastern Front.
With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Yakut ASSR became the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in 1991, and
Yakutsk remained its capital, a status it holds today as the political, cultural, and scientific center of the region.

5.

Honorary citizen - road worker of Yakutsk.
Pyotr Sergeev Grigorievich is a key figure in Yakutsk’s urban
development.
He was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of the City of
Yakutsk and also holds the title of Honored Builder of the
Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). His entire career was spent at JSC
"Yakutdorstroy" (Yakut Road Construction), the city’s primary
enterprise responsible for road infrastructure and water disposal
systems . He began his career as a tractor driver and worked his
way up to First Deputy General Director. He is described as
perhaps the most experienced person in the city's public utilities
sector, having worked in the field for over 40 years. Colleagues
respectfully call him "Boroda" (The Beard) for his deep, decadespanning knowledge of Yakutsk’s roads and canals. He was
celebrated for his "long-term conscientious work for the benefit
of Yakutsk." He officially retired in 2024 after a long career.

6.

Other Honorary Citizen Connected to Roads
and Traffic.
Dmitry Nikolayevich Alekseev.
Alekseev is a unique figure—he is the only police officer in
Yakutia to have been awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of
Yakutsk . He worked as a traffic police inspector for over 30
years. He was known as the "King of Prospekt Lenina" (Lenin
Avenue) for his strict but fair enforcement of traffic rules in the
city center. In 1980, he was sent to Moscow to serve during the
Olympic Games due to his professional excellence.

7.

Architecture on Ice
• Most buildings are raised on concrete
stilts driven deep into the permafrost.
This prevents the heat from the building
from melting the ground and causing
structural collapse.
• Materials: Pipes and utilities run above
ground to avoid thawing the soil.
• The Old City: While much of the city is
Soviet-era concrete, efforts are being
made to preserve the unique wooden
architecture of Old Yakutsk.

8.

Museums and Landmarks
• The Kingdom of Permafrost: An
incredible ice cave complex dug into a
mountainside, where visitors can see ice
sculptures and learn about permafrost.
• Mammoth Museum: Showcases wellpreserved remains of woolly mammoths,
including entire skeletons and even
frozen soft tissue.
• Old Town: A charming historical district
with wooden houses, the old church, and
a monument to the city's founder.

9.

Conclusion – Resilience and Contrast
A City Like No Other
Extreme cold and warm summers, ancient traditions and modern industry, isolation and global
significance.
Resilience: The people of Yakutsk have mastered life in one of Earth’s harshest environments.
Yakutsk is not just a city—it is a symbol of human endurance, cultural pride, and adaptation.
Final Thought: Visiting Yakutsk is not just a trip; it is an unforgettable experience of nature’s
extremes and human spirit.

10.

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