Kaspiysk
Description
Kaspiysk is a city in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, located on the Caspian Sea, 18 km southeast of Makhachkala. The 2010 Russian census recorded the city as being the fourth-largest in Dagestan. It is a working-class satellite-city to Makhachkala.
History
The city is one of the newer urban centers in Dagestan. It began in 1932 as a worker's encampment, servicing the needs of the nearby naval diesel engine manufacturer, Dagdizel (ru). At the time, it was called Dvigatelstroy (Дви́гательстро́й), based upon the Russian word for "engine". During World War II, the site saw much growth due to the war effort, and became a center for major arms producers. In 1947, the settlement received the status of a city, and was given its current name, reflecting its location on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Chechen Wars
On November 16, 1996, 68 people were killed in a Chechen bomb attack targeting a military building.
On May 9, 2002, 43 people were killed in Chechen bomb attack on a Victory Day parade.
Religion
Islam
Islam is the majority faith in the city, which is home to about ten mosques.
Russian Orthodox
The city belongs to the diocese of Makhachkala. Kaspiysk parish was formed in 1990 with the blessings of the Metropolitan of Stavropol and Baku, and was officially registered in 1994. In 2000, the community consecrated St. Kazan church (ru).
Seventh Day Adventists
In 2010, the Seventh Day Adventists dedicated a house of worship in the city. It became the target of two explosives attacks within two months.
Miscellaneous
The city is home to a large naval storage facility that houses Russian hovercraft and ekranoplans.
