Omsk, © Yykkaa/Shutterstock.comcity and administrative centre of Omsk oblast (region), west-central Russia, on the Irtysh River at its junction with the Om. Omsk, founded in 1716 as a stronghold at the eastern end of the Ishim fortified line between the Tobol and the Irtysh, developed as an agricultural centre and became a city in 1804. Its military function as headquarters of the Siberian Cossacks lasted until the late 19th century. In 1918–19 it was the seat of the anti-Bolshevik government of Adm. A.V. Kolchak.
The building of the Trans-Siberian Railroad in the 1890s and Omsk’s position as a transshipment point on the Irtysh led to rapid commercial growth. Industrial growth was given great impetus during World War II, since which time its population has more than trebled. Pipelines from the Volga–Urals and West Siberian oil fields supply the refinery and petrochemical industry, which makes synthetic rubber and tires. Engineering, especially the production of agricultural machinery, also dominates a wide range of industry. Other industries include the manufacture of cotton and woollen textiles, cord, footwear, and leather goods and food processing. Timber working is also carried on. Among the cultural and educational facilities of Omsk are agricultural, engineering, medical, and veterinary institutes and other research and higher educational establishments. Pop. (2006 est.) 1,138,822.