PEREYASLAV-KHMELNYTSKYY

Russian Pereyaslav-khmelnitsky, also spelled Pereiaslav-khmelnitskii, or Perejaslav-chmel'nickij, formerly (until 1943) Pereyaslav, or Pereiaslav, city, Kiev oblast (province), Ukraine. Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyy has existed since the 10th century, when it was known as Pereyaslav-Russky. It was a border stronghold of the Kievan state but was overrun by Mongol Tatars in 1239. In 1654 Bohdan Khmelnytsky, a leader of the revolt against Polish domination of Ukraine, convened a council at Pereyaslav that submitted Ukraine to Russian rule. Modern Pereyaslav was occupied by German forces during both world wars. Archaeological excavations in Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyy have uncovered artifacts and building foundations dating from as early as the 10th century. The modern city has food-processing and clothing industries. Pop. (1991 est.) 30,200.