Bezhanitsy

Bezhanitsy (Russian: Бежаницы) is an urban locality (a work settlement) and the administrative center of Bezhanitsky District of Pskov Oblast, Russia. It is one of the two urban-type settlements in the district. Population: 4,333 (2010 census); 4,846 (2002 census); 6,789 (1989 Soviet census). Tsardom of Russia 1581–1721 Russian Empire 1721–1917 Russian Republic 1917 Soviet Russia 1917–1922 Soviet Union 1922–1991 Russian Federation 1991–present Bezhanitsy was founded in the 16th century and was first mentioned in 1581. In the course of the administrative reform carried out in 1708 by Peter the Great, the area was included into Ingermanland Governorate (known since 1710 as Saint Petersburg Governorate). In 1727, separate Novgorod Governorate was split off, and in 1772, Pskov Governorate (which between 1777 and 1796 existed as Pskov Viceroyalty) was established. Bezhanitsy was a part of Pustorzhevsky Uyezd, which in 1777 was renamed Novorzhevsky Uyezd of Pskov Viceroyalty. In 1796, when the viceroyalty was abolished, the uyezd was abolished as well, however, it was re-established in 1802. In the middle of the 18th century Bezhanitsy, which was located on the road connecting Porkhov and Velikiye Luki, quickly developed as a center of yam, the state-sponsored transportation. On August 1, 1927, the uyezds were abolished, and Bezhanitsky District was established, with the administrative center in the selo of Bezhanitsy.