Kropyvnytskyi

Kropyvnytskyi (Ukrainian: Кропивницький, IPA: [kropɪu̯ˈnɪtsʲkɪj] ^ⓘ) is a city in central Ukraine, situated on the Inhul River. It serves as the administrative center of Kirovohrad Oblast. Population: 219,676 (2022 estimate).

Over its history, Kropyvnytskyi has changed its name several times. From 1752 to 1924 the settlement was known as Yelysavethrad, or simply Yelysavet, after Empress Elizabeth of Russia. During that time it served as a garrison town and an important centre of agricultural trade. Starting from the latter third of the 19th century, Yelysavethrad was a major centre of cultural activity, known as a centre of Ukrainian theatre. During the period of industrialization, an active workers' movement emerged at the city's factories.

In 1924, as part of the Soviet Union, it became known as Zinovievsk after the revolutionary Grigory Zinoviev, who was born there. Following the assassination of Sergei Kirov in 1934, the town was renamed Kirovo. Concurrently with the formation of Kirovohrad Oblast on 10 January 1939, and to distinguish it from Kirov Oblast in central Russia, Kirovo was renamed Kirovohrad.

As part of independent Ukraine, the name of the city was then changed to Kropyvnytskyi in 2016 due to decommunization laws, honouring Marko Kropyvnytskyi, who was born in the vicinity. However, Kirovohrad Oblast was not renamed because it is mentioned in the Constitution of Ukraine – only a constitutional amendment could change the name of the oblast. In our days the city remains a major centre of education, industry and culture, and is known for its numerous architectural monuments.