Russia

1. Russia is a country that fascinates with its scale and diversity. On the one hand, these are vast expanses, from the majestic Urals to the quiet shores of Lake Baikal. On the other hand, it is a rich history that goes back more than a thousand years, filled with events, great personalities and cultural achievements. In every corner of Russia, you can find something unique that makes this country truly unique.

One of these corners is the city of Pavlovo-on-the-Oka, located in the south-west of the Nizhny Novgorod region, famous for its unique history and cultural heritage, which attracts the attention of both locals and tourists.

The history of this small but significant city goes back centuries and is closely intertwined with the development of the Russian state. The earliest mention of Pavlov dates back to the middle of the 16th century. The first written evidence of the city is recorded in the letter of Ivan the Terrible, dated April 5, 1566, and is considered the conditional date of its foundation [12, pp. 112-115]. There are various legends about the origin of the city's name. One of them claims that it was named after a migrant carrier named Pavel. According to another version, the name came from the name of the first man in the prison, as in official documents he was referred to as Pavlov Prison.

Since its foundation, Pavlovo has become an important center not only for the military, but also for artisans. Blacksmiths, tinsmiths, coppersmiths, coopers and potters settled under the protection of the prison, who became the founders of the local metalworking industry, which brought the city national fame. The proximity to metal sources in Vyksa and the forests of Murom, as well as the abundance of coniferous and deciduous forests that provided raw materials for charcoal production, contributed to the development of blacksmithing [10, pp. 45-60].

In the 17th century, Pavlovo became famous for the skill of gunsmiths and lockmakers. At that time, the division of labor increased in the city, and new types of products appeared — from table knives and forks to folding knives, scissors and razors. Pavlovo craftsmen were famous for their locks, and the traditional products of local metalworkers included knives and forks with cuttings of mother-of-pearl, bone and ebony, as well as artistically decorated daggers and multi-edged knives [6, pp. 78-82].

During the Crimean War, the production of medical and surgical instruments began in Pavlovo, which indicates the high level of skill of local artisans and their ability to adapt to the new demands of the time. Thus, Pavlovo-on-Oka not only preserved its historical identity, but also became an important center of metallurgical art, which left a noticeable mark in the history of Russia [1, pp. 23-30].

One of the main gems of Pavlovo is the Historical Museum, located on Krasnoarmeyskaya Street. Founded in 1936, it was originally called "industrial", reflecting the desire to preserve the memory of the achievements of the local metalworking industry. His funds contain more than 40,000 items, including unique locksmithing products, including the famous Pavlovsky knives and locks. The museum building, built in the style of merchant architecture, is itself a work of art, decorated with carved friezes and snow-white half-columns. This place immerses visitors in the atmosphere of merchant life and craftsmanship preserved over the centuries [4].