Tula, Russia

Tula (Ту́ла) is an industrial city in the European part of Russia located 165 km to the south of Moscow, on the river Upa, at Population (1990): approx. 543,000.

Tula is the administrative center of Tula Oblast.

Tula has existed at least from 1146. It became a center of heavy industry, particularly the manufacture of materiel. In the 18th century, the first factory to produce samovars industrially was established there, and during the Great Patriotic War of 1941 to 1945 (coincident with World War 2), the city was important in production of armaments. The Germans failed to capture the heavily defended city in 1941. After the War, Tula was awarded the title Hero City.

A musical instrument, the Tula accordion (тульская гармонь) is named for this city, which is a center of manufacture for such instruments sold throughout Russia and worldwide.