Iturup

Iturup (Russian: Итуруп; jap択 捉 岛, Etorofu -tō ) is an island of the Kuril archipelago. The island belongs to Russia, but claimed by Japan as part of the sub-prefecture of Nemuro, Hokkaido.

The name is derived from the Ainu language, probably from etu - oro - op (エトゥオロオㇷ ゚) for " place with the cape " or etu -or- op (エトゥオㇿオㇷ ゚) for " person / object with nose water " what is meant to refer to the fact that once a stone was here that looked like a person with a runny nose.

Geography

Iturup is located northeast of Hokkaido, near the southern end of the island chain of the Kuril Islands. With an area of ​​3182.65 km ² it is the largest Kuril island by far. Iturup is about 200 km long, with a width of 7-27 km.

The main settlement on the island is the town Kurilsk with 2,000 residents. Total living on Iturup around 7,500 people. (As of 2003).

History and Politics

Iturup was originally inhabited by Ainu. In the late 18th century, Russian settlers came to the island. In 1800, a Japanese garrison was stationed on Iturup. The island was used by Japan as a place of exile for political prisoners and prisoners.

In 1855 the island was by the Treaty of Shimoda to Japanese territory. 1945 Iturup was occupied by Soviet troops. Since 1946, the island belongs to Soviet or Russian since 1991 to consider their territory. At the Southern Kuril counting, the island is the subject of Kurilenkonflikts: The sovereignty over Iturup is claimed by Japan.

Especially for mutual visa-free visits by Russian islanders and Japanese citizens was in 2012 a passenger ship the Etopirika built.

Volcanoes on Iturup

• Atsonupuri
• Baranski Volcano
• Berutarube

Gallery

Trees under constant wind, 1981

Kurilsk, local government buildings, 1981

Kurilsk, 1981