Belgorod Oblast

Belgorod Oblast is a federal subject (an oblast) of Russia. Its administrative center is the city of Belgorod. , the population is 1,540,486. History At the turn of the 17th century, a solid line of military fortifications was built in the area, stretching for almost . Zaporozhian Cossacks, who moved here because of the nobility and the tax burden, were in charge of the line defenses. Even more Cossacks moved to the area during the Khmelnytsky Uprising (1648–1657) and the internecine wars in the Cossack Hetmanate (1659–1679). Belgorod became the military and administrative center, after originating as an outpost on the southern borders of Russia. Following the Battle of Poltava, Peter I granted to soldiers of Greater Belgorod the regiment flag.