Comrat

Comrat (Gagauz: Komrat; Комрат / Komrat) is a city in Moldova and the capital of the autonomous region of Gagauzia. It is located at , in the south of the country, on the Ialpug River. In 2004, Comrat's population was 23,429, of which the vast majority are Gagauzians.

The name is of Turkic and Nogai origin.

History

Comrat began to be settled in 1789, and received town privileges in 1957. During the time when the town was part of Moldavian SSR, Comrat's industry was geared toward the production of butter, wine, and rugs, the latter ornated with Moldavian motifs. Recently, a university was established in Comrat.

Population

• 1989: 25,800 (official census)
• 1991: 27,500 (estimation)
• 1996: 27,400 (estimation)
• 2004: 23,429 (official census)
• 2006: 22,369 (estimation)

Sights

• Cathedral, built in 1820
• Museum of local history
• Museum of Gagauz culture, located in the suburb of Beşalma

References