SAMARA

n.

formerly (1935–91) Kuybyshev

City (pop., 2001 est.: 1,146,400) and river port, eastern Russia.

Located on the left bank of the Volga River where the Samara River joins the Volga, it was founded in 1586 as a fortress protecting the Volga trade route. It was the scene of the rebellion of Yemelyan Pugachov against Catherine II in 1773–74. It later became a major trade centre. Its growth was stimulated during World War II by the relocation there of numerous government functions when Moscow was threatened by German attack. It is highly industrialized and is the centre of a network of pipelines. Oil and petrochemicals are the major industries.