Stary Oskol

Stary Oskol () is a city in Belgorod Oblast, Russia, located 618 kilometers (384 south of Moscow, on the Oskol River. Population: 221,085 (2010 Census); 
History.
It was founded in 1593 as a fortress, a part of the southern fortification line around Moscow. In the 17th century, the town was sacked by Crimean Tatars. Later it was affected by the Russian Civil War in 1919, as well as by World War II, where it was captured by Hungarian troops. After World War II, industry developed in the city and its population started to grow.
Administrative and municipal status.
Within the framework of administrative divisions, Stary Oskol serves as the administrative center of Starooskolsky District, even though it is not a part of it. As an administrative division, it is incorporated separately as the town of oblast significance of Stary Oskol—an administrative unit with a status equal to that of the districts. As a municipal division, the territories of the city of oblast significance of Stary Oskol and of Starooskolsky District are incorporated as Starooskolsky Urban Okrug.
Economy.
Stary Oskol is an important center of iron ore mining, situated at the border of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly, one of the largest deposits of iron ore worldwide. Over eight million tons of iron ore are mined here per year. For this reason there is also a branch of the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys in the city.
Education.
One of the oldest kids music schools in the city is located in the city center, on Lenina Street.
International relations.
Twin towns and sister cities.
Stary Oskol is twinned with: