Belgorodskaya Oblast was founded on January 6, 1954 by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR. Belgorod became the regional centre. Since 1727 till 1779 there existed the Belgorod province. But later the biggest part of the territory of modern Belgorodskaya Oblast was included into the Kursk province. Lately the history of Belgorod "was prolonged" for centuries. Earlier the generally accepted date of foundation was the year of 1593, later it became 1237. But according to newest archeological research Belgorod ought to have celebrated its thousand-year anniversary in 1995. The founder of Belgorod was prince Vladimir. In the end of the 16th century Belgorod served as a defensive fortress that protected the southern boundaries of the Russian state against attacks of the Crimean Tatars. Since 1727 till 1779 Belgorod became the centre of the Belgorod province. Gradually it turned into a large industrial centre. During the Great Patriotic War Belgorod suffered fierce fights against fascists. In honour of liberation of Belgorod and Orel in Moscow the first salute in the history of the War was held. Since then Belgorod was named "the city of the first salute". Belgorod is situated in the southwest part of the Central Russian upland. The climate here is moderate continental. More than 600 thousand hectares are rich in chernozem.