Cherlak

Cherlak stands on the Irtysh south of Omsk. It began as a Russian outpost linking the fortresses along the river and guarding a route between Omsk, Yamyshevsk and Semipalatinsk. Cossacks initially served in rotating detachments, before some were settled permanently. The outpost was established in 1720 and became part of the fortified Irtysh line developed during the eighteenth century. In 1730 the authorities decided to station Cossacks from Tara here permanently. The post moved downstream to a more convenient site in 1745, and from 1762 peasants were settled nearby. As the frontier changed, Cherlak developed into a Cossack settlement on the river, combining its military origins with agriculture and river traffic.