The Donbass ( taking its name from its location in the basing of river Don ) covers a total area of 1860 sq.km. and stretches 110 km from East to West and 50 km from North to South.

       The Russian scientist Dmitry Mendeleev spent three months in the Donbass in 1888 and wrote: "I was struck by the unexhaustible richness of the area, surpassing anything I have ever seen not only in Russia but in Europe and America as well".

       Donetsk was founded in 1869 when building of metallurgical factory began. On territory of future city already there were the Aleksandrovka suburbs, Grigorevka, Semenovka, a farm the Sheep. In the riverhead of the Kalmius river, where a city is now located, was found lot of anthracite coal. Shallow mines appeared at the beginning of a 19 century. In 1841 began to work the first large mine Aleksandrovskiy.

       The name of John Hughes is well-known to everybody who lives in Donetsk. In April 1869 the government of Russia confirmed an agreement about beginning of works on mining and building of metallurgical factory. For conducting of these works was founded New Russian company. Regulating businesses of founders of New Russian company appointed the Englishman John Hughes .

       Neart a ground, which was taken under building of factory there was a settlement which united with miner's settlement of the Aleksandrovskiy mine and was called Yuzovka by the name of John Hughes. The settlement divided by two parts: south - factory, where industrial building, depots, telegraph, small hospital, school, and north where were working barracks , market-place and inns .

       Ih 1917 when its population reached 70,000 inhabitants, Yuzovka got a city status.The first tram was seen on the roads of the city in 1927.

       In 1924г Yuzovka was renamed in Stalino. In July a 1932г city became the center of the Donetsk region.

       In a 1961г city got a new name - Donetsk.

       Now Donetsk is one of the largest industrial centres of Ukraine with such highly developed branches as coal, metallurgical and machine building.

       Coal industry has been the leading branch since the 16th century is a production complex which 17 enterprises on mining(most high performance is "Shahta the name of Zasyadko"), two concentrating factories and one briquette factory.

       A machine-building complex which includes 66 enterprises provide by the products practically all industries of industry not only cities but also all Ukraine. The enterprises of this industry produce supports with uncorrosive coverage, cable products, transformer substations, domestic refrigerators, freezers, gas-stoves and etc.

        Chemical industry of city is presented by 11 enterprises. On these enterprises the mineral fertilizers are produced boric acid, vinegar acid, cleansers, wares and others.

        32 enterprises of food and processing retail industry function in Donetsk. Considerable positive results in development of production were attained by enterprises: CJSC:"Kiev-Konti", "AVK", "Sarmat", "Marg-Vest".

       Donetsk may be called the scientific and cultural centre with many research institutes, two theatres, the Concert Hall, some museums and picture galleries. Children from all parts of the Donetsk region arrive in the city to see interesting performances in the Circus. People who like pop music can enjoy concerts of their favourite singers in the Palace of Youth and Friendship. Two International Ballet Festivals took place in Donetsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, which is famous for one of the best ballet companies in the world.

       Specialists in various fields are being trained at the Donetsk State University, National Technical University, Medical University, Academy of Management and many colleges. Donetsk is also known for its sport achievements. Donetsk sportsmen S. Bubka, L. Podkopayeva and others successfully participate in different international competitions. Many times they won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Olympic games in such events as gymnastics, pole walting, boxing.

        Donetsk football team "Shahter" from every year becomes more popular and known in a whole world.

       Donetsk has many places of interest such as Artyom Street where a lot of modern fashionable shops, cafes, restaurants, offices are situated; Lenin Square, the the Sherbakova Park, Pushkin Boulevard, the Botanical Garden and others. In summer green trees and flowers, beautiful buildings make the city wonderful and attractive.

       I like my city adn hope it will be more beautiful and it will remain the city of million roses for future generations.