Taganrog () is a city and seaport in Rostov Oblast, Russia. Population about 279,000 (2005).

The first Russian Navy base, Taganrog was officially founded by Peter I The Great on September 12, 1698. Its rise and development are closely connected with the great and dramatic history of the Russian Empire, with its century-long struggle for the access to southern seas. Here for the first time, fireworks in honor of Azov Russian Navy's victories took place, that Navy being created by Peter the Great. And as "The Birthplace of Anton Chekhov," Taganrog offers remarkable sites dedicated to childhood and youth of the Russian playwright and short-story writer.

Now Taganrog is an important research, cultural and industrial center in Southern Russia. It has a vast network of educational establishments, ranging from Radio Engineering University and Teachers Training College to technical and vocational lyceums and high schools. Apart from that, it is a city situated in a resort area as to its climate, which allows one to take a splendid rest here. Taganrog is situated on the shore of the Azov Sea about 45 miles from Rostov-on-Don, SW Rostov Oblast.

History can be found around almost every bend in Taganrog. The memorial theater, Chekhov library, several museums, such as Chekhov House, Literary Museum, Durov Museum, Art Museum and other stand as hallmarks of the Russian culture. Taganrog is a native city of Anton Chekhov; names of Alexander Pushkin, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Faina Ranevskaya , Konstantin Paustovsky , Ivan Vasilenko , Victor Bregeda , Konstantin Savitski and many other famous artists.

External link

• Official Web Site of the City of Taganrog, English
• Official Web Site of the City of Taganrog, Russian
• Official Web Site of the City of Taganrog, German
• Soviet topographic map 1:100,000