Norilsk in 3 Russian words

1. МЕЧЕТЬ НУРД-КАМАЛ (Nurd-Kamal Mosque)

This is officially the northernmost mosque in the world! It was built in the late 1990s with funds provided by local entrepreneur Mithad Bikmeyev. He also named it after his parents – his father, Nuritdin, and his mother, Gainikamal. Instead of a round minaret, they built it square, so that the tower would be more wind-resistant and less prone to freezing in the harsh climate.

2. НОРНИКЕЛЬ (‘Nornickel’)

‘Nornickel’ (‘Norilsk Nickel’) is the world's largest palladium producer and a leading producer of nickel, platinum and copper. Its history began in 1935 with the construction of a mining and metallurgical complex in Norilsk. The city remains a vital element in the company's structure; it invests in the development of its infrastructure and actively supports small businesses there.

3. МЕДВЕДИЦА АЙКА (Aika the Bear)

Soviet director Yuri Ledin made many films about polar bears and, in 1974, he even brought a bear cub into his three-room apartment in Norilsk. Aika lived there for about five months. She was always very friendly and walked the streets without a collar. Today, a sports complex in the city is named in honor of her and a monument to the polar bear stands nearby.