Aral Sea was once world's fourth largest inland water lake. Located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, east of Caspian Sea. Formed during Neogene Period, partially filled with Syr Darya water
First settlements appeared 2.5 thousand years ago in Vyatka region. Russians founded Vyatka in 1181, later became Khlynov. Khlynov became largest town in northeastern Europe in 17th century. Vyatka renamed in 1780, became political exile center. Stalin spent time in hospital in Vyatka in 1909
Region extends from Caspian Sea to Mongolia, Afghanistan, and Russia. Characterized by elevated aridness and flat steppes. Contains major rivers like Amu Darya and Syr Darya. Climate is more severe due to lack of water buffer
Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837) created unique 'Onegin stanza' and wrote in all genres. Mikhail Lermontov (1814-1841) wrote romantic poems about Caucasus legends. Nikolai Nekrasov (1821-1877) first raised peasant language and serf issues. Fyodor Tyutchev (1803-1873) translated Heine and wrote patriotic poems
Opened in 1939 as All-Union Agricultural Exhibition to showcase Soviet agriculture. Initially featured palaces for each Soviet republic and 32 pavilions. Expanded in 1954 after WWII to demonstrate USSR's recovery. Renamed VDNKh under Khrushchev to unite agricultural and industrial exhibitions
Wilhelm Steinitz (1836-1900) was first official World Champion and father of positional chess. Emanuel Lasker (1868-1941) held title for 27 years with flexible play style. Jose Raul Capablanca (1888-1942) won title in 1921, known for intuitive play. Alexander Alekhine (1892-1946) pioneered aggressive opening play and positional strategy