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Where does Moscow get its name from? What is the mysterious story behind this city?
Moscow, the capital of Russia, is located on the Moskva River and has more than 13 million residents. It is not only the largest city in Europe, but also one of the most populous cities in the world. The city has a long history, having first been recorded in 1147, making it nearly 900 years old. However, the origin of the name Moscow is shrouded in mystery and controversy.
The association between names and geography
Moscow's name may be derived from the Moscow River. Etymological studies have shown that the word Moskva may come from the Proto-Balto-Slavic root "*mŭzg-/muzg-", meaning "wet". Probably describes a river flowing through wetlands or swamps.
According to linguistic analysis, the name of the river has similarities with many languages. For example, the Russian word "музга" means "pond" or "puddle", while the Latvian word "mazgāt" means "washing". Therefore, the name Moscow is not only a geographical name, but also a reflection of cultural exchanges.
Historical Changes
Starting in 1147, Moscow gradually evolved from a small town into the political, economic and cultural center of Russia. In the 12th century it was just a small town on the edge of the Grand Duchy of Vladimir-Suzdal, but as its influence grew it eventually became the capital of the Tsarist Empire in 1547.
After a brief relocation to St. Petersburg during the reign of Peter the Great, Moscow was once again designated the capital of the Soviet Union in 1918 and became an important political center of the Russian Federation.
Mysterious language and culture
According to some scholars, the name Moscow is also related to the language of the local indigenous people. Over time, different nationalities and cultures have intertwined to form the Moscow of today.
In the Finnish hypothesis of the Baltic Sea, the local Melian and Muroma tribes once called the river Mustajoki, which means "black river". These linguistic traces show the diversity and richness of the name Moscow.
Charming architecture and culture
In addition to the origin of its name, Moscow also has countless architectural and cultural heritage. The Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral are all world cultural heritage sites recognized by UNESCO. These spectacular buildings not only attract thousands of tourists, but have also become a symbol of Moscow's cultural identity.
Moscow is also known as one of the global financial centers, and its business activities have a significant influence on the whole of Russia and even Eastern Europe.
Conclusion
Whether it is history, culture or language, every corner of Moscow has its own unique stories and secrets waiting for people to explore and discover. Are there more historical mysteries hidden behind these stories that have yet to be revealed?
