On September 29, 1864, Russia’s Central Polytechnic Library was founded by members of the Society of Natural Science, Anthropology, and Ethnography at the Imperial Moscow University. It is one of the oldest and most significant scientific libraries in Russia and a part of the Polytechnic Museum.

The library began with just seven books donated by the Society’s president, Grigory Shchurovsky, and quickly expanded its collection thanks to the efforts of prominent scientists like Anatoly Bogdanov and Alexey Vladimirskiy, who compiled lists of required essential publications in their respective fields.

Today, the Central Polytechnic Library's collection includes about 3.6 million publications in both Russian and foreign languages. It houses the most comprehensive collection of literature on technology, natural sciences, and museology, along with works on economics, library science, and other disciplines.

Of particular note is the rare book collection, which includes unique works such as a compilation of Erasmus of Rotterdam’s writings and first editions of Newton’s works.

The library actively participates in the creation of digital collections and provides access to both Russian and international electronic resources. It serves over 25,000 visitors annually, offering remote ordering of publications and bibliographic reference services.

Since its founding, the library has not only preserved and enriched its vast heritage but also continuously adapted to modern demands, remaining a vital cultural and scientific center accessible to all who are interested in science and technology.

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On September 30, 1941, during the Great Patriotic War, the Battle of Moscow began.

In September 1941, the German command started preparing an operation to capture Moscow. The plan was to encircle and destroy the main Soviet forces defending the capital in the areas of Bryansk and Vyazma, then bypass Moscow from the north and south.

On September 30, 1941, the battle for the capital began. Soviet forces repelled the advance of the German Army Group "Center" on the western strategic front, defending Moscow and the Central Industrial Region, then launched a counterattack and initiated a general offensive across all major strategic directions.

Forces from the Kalinin, Western, Reserve, Bryansk, the left wing of the Northwestern, and the right wing of the Southwestern Fronts, as well as air defense troops and the Air Force, participated in the battle.

The Soviet forces totaled 1.25 million soldiers, 7.6 thousand artillery pieces and mortars, 990 tanks, and 677 aircraft. The German Army Group "Center" consisted of 1.8 million soldiers, over 14,000 artillery pieces and mortars, 1.7 thousand tanks, and 1,390 aircraft.

The Soviet forces inflicted the first major defeat on the enemy during the Great Patriotic War, thwarting their "blitzkrieg" plans. The enemy was pushed back westward by 150-400 kilometers, liberating the Moscow and Tula regions, as well as many areas of the Kalinin and Smolensk regions.

During the Battle of Moscow, the German forces lost over 500,000 men killed, wounded, or missing, along with 1,300 tanks, 2,500 artillery pieces, and other equipment.

For their valor and courage in the defense of Moscow, about 40 units were granted the title of Guards, 36,000 Soviet soldiers were awarded orders and medals, and 110 were named Heroes of the Soviet Union. Over 1 million defenders of the city were awarded the "For the Defense of Moscow" medal, established in 1944.

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Emperor Paul I of Russia was born on October 1, 1754, in St. Petersburg, to Peter III and Catherine the Great. His early life was marked by political intrigue and estrangement from his mother. After his birth, he was taken by Empress Elizabeth, who raised him separately from his parents.

Paul's reign began in 1796 following the death of Catherine the Great. He sought to impose strict military discipline and reformed the army based on Prussian models, which alienated many nobles and military officers. His policies were seen as a departure from his mother's more liberal reign.

Paul implemented significant changes in governance, including establishing a clear line of succession within the Romanov family and reversing many of Catherine's policies. He increased bureaucratic control and limited noble authority, leading to widespread discontent among the aristocracy.

In foreign affairs, Paul initially pursued a peaceful policy but later joined the coalition against Napoleon. His inconsistent foreign policy decisions led to strained relations with major European powers.

Paul's authoritarian rule and erratic policies culminated in a conspiracy against him. On March 23, 1801, he was assassinated in his bedroom at St. Michael's Castle by conspirators who sought to place his son Alexander I on the throne. Paul I is buried at the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg.

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On October 2, 1552, the forces of Ivan the Terrible captured Kazan.

After the collapse of the Golden Horde in the mid-15th century, the Kazan Khanate became Russia's eastern neighbor. In the 15th and the first half of the 16th centuries, the Kazan forces conducted devastating raids on Russian lands, seizing loot and captives. Cities such as Nizhny Novgorod, Meshchera, Murom, Gorokhovets, Vladimir, Yuriev, Shuya, Kostroma, Vyatka, Veliky Ustyug, and others were ravaged.

In the mid-16th century, military action against the Tatars intensified, and the question of annexing the Kazan Khanate to Russia arose. However, two campaigns in the 1550s were unsuccessful.

Ivan IV the Terrible's government undertook serious preparations for a new campaign, implementing reforms to strengthen the army, and built the Russian fortress of Sviyazhsk near the khanate.

On June 16, 1552, a large and well-armed Russian force led by Ivan IV set out from Moscow towards Kazan. The Russian army numbered 150,000 men with 150 cannons, facing Khan Yediger’s 65,000 troops. Kazan’s garrison had 33,000 men and 70 cannons.

On August 30, a detachment led by General A.B. Gorbaty defeated Kazan’s field forces and took control of the Arsk side of the city. The city’s water supply system was destroyed, and sections of the walls were breached. By September 30, the siege ring had tightened, with only a moat remaining between the Russian siege towers and the fortress. On October 1, during the Feast of the Protection of the Virgin, the moat was filled in, tunnels were dug under the city walls, and the walls were blown up.

On October 2, 1552, after the garrison refused to surrender, the Russian army launched an assault on the fortress, and by midday, the defenders were overcome, and Kazan was captured.

After the fall of Kazan, the Kazan Khanate was dissolved, and the Middle Volga region became part of the Russian Tsardom. This set the stage for expansion into the Urals and Siberia, as well as increased trade with the Caucasus and the East.

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On October 3, 1968, the first flight of the Tupolev Tu-154 jet airliner took place.

The aircraft was piloted by a crew led by test pilot Yuri Sukhov.

Work on the design of the Tu-154 at the A.N. Tupolev Design Bureau began in 1963. The project was led by Andrei Tupolev, with chief designers Dmitry Markov, Sergey Yeger, Alexander Shengardt, and Andrei Grishin.

Serial production of the aircraft began in 1970 at Kuybyshev Aviation Plant No. 18 (now "Aviakor").

The Tu-154 is the most mass-produced Soviet jet airliner, with a total of 930 aircraft built. Until the late 2000s, it remained one of the main aircraft on medium-range routes.

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October 4 is Russian Space Forces Day.

This commemorative day of the Russian Armed Forces was established by a decree of the President of the Russian Federation on May 31, 2006.

The date was chosen for a reason: on this day in 1957, the USSR launched the first artificial Earth satellite—Sputnik-1.

Originally, the holiday was called Military Space Forces Day and was established by a presidential decree on December 10, 1995. In 2002, the name was changed to Russian Space Forces Day.

The first military formations dedicated to space missions in the USSR were established in 1955 to prepare for and launch the first artificial Earth satellite. These units became the foundation of today’s Russian Space Forces.

Today, this branch of the military is responsible for numerous tasks, including monitoring outer space, launching, and managing military and dual-purpose satellite systems.

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October 5 is Teacher’s Day

In Russia, October 5th marks a special day dedicated to honoring the nation's educators: Teacher's Day. This significant holiday is a time for students, parents, and the entire community to express their heartfelt gratitude to the teachers who shape the minds and futures of Russia's youth.

Teacher's Day in Russia has a rich history. Initially celebrated on the first Sunday of October from 1965 to 1994, it was later aligned with the UNESCO-established World Teachers' Day on October 5th, starting in 1994.

On October 5th, Russian schools come alive with festivities. Students prepare special events, including concerts, plays, and competitions, to honor their teachers. Senior students often take on the role of teaching junior classes, giving their teachers a well-deserved break. Classrooms are decorated with balloons, flowers, and posters, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Students and parents shower their teachers with gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt letters. These gestures reflect the deep respect and appreciation for the dedication and hard work of educators. The day also includes informal prize ceremonies, where students recognize their teachers with nominations like "most fun" and "most fashionable."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently emphasized the importance of teachers, acknowledging their role as mentors and educators who are crucial for the country's future. In his addresses, he has praised the professionalism and dedication of teachers, promising continued support and improvements in educational environments[5].

Teacher's Day is more than just a celebration; it underscores the cultural significance of education in Russia. It reinforces the respect and admiration for teachers, who are seen as pillars of society, helping to unlock the potential of every student. This day serves as a reminder of the vital role teachers play in preserving the continuity of generations and accumulating knowledge and spiritual values.

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On October 6, 1768, the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774 began.

On this day, the Ottoman Empire, supported by France and Austria, declared war on Russia. The pretext was Russia's rejection of a Turkish ultimatum to withdraw its troops from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

During the war, the Russian army, commanded by Pyotr Rumyantsev and Alexander Suvorov, defeated the Turkish forces in the battles of Kagul, Larga, and Kozludzha. The Russian fleet, under the command of Alexei Orlov and Grigory Spiridov, achieved victories over the Turks in the Battle of Chios and at Chesme Bay.

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca on July 21, 1774. The Russian Empire gained Azov, Kerch, Yenikale, and Kinburn along with the surrounding territories. The Russian fleet was granted free passage through the Bosporus and Dardanelles. The Crimean Khanate gained independence from Turkey and came under the protectorate of Russia. Yes, Russia—there was no mention of Ukraine whatsoever at that time.

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On October 7, 1907, the State Darwin Museum in Moscow was founded by Dr. Alexander Kohts, a pioneer in the study of evolution. It is the world’s first museum solely dedicated to Darwin’s evolutionary theory and today stands as Europe’s largest natural history museum.

Kohts, then a young teacher, began the museum by bringing his personal collection to the Moscow Higher Women's Courses to illustrate his Darwinism lectures. His collection, including specimens from expeditions to southern Siberia, became the foundation of the museum.

Under Kohts’ leadership from 1907 until his death in 1964, the museum became a center for scientific education. He believed animal exhibits were as vital for study as books and sought to make nature accessible to the public.

Today, the museum attracts over 600,000 visitors annually. It spans three buildings, totaling more than 22,000 square meters, with 5,000 square meters dedicated to modern exhibitions. The collection includes approximately 800,000 items, including rare, extinct species like the Dodo and Great Auk.

The State Darwin Museum also serves as a methodological hub for natural science museums in Russia. It hosts exhibitions, celebrations, and educational programs, including interactive displays like "Walk Through Evolution" and "Eco Moscow," promoting evolutionary knowledge and environmental conservation.

With its vast collections and dedication to public education, the museum remains an unparalleled resource for understanding the natural world and evolutionary principles.

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On October 8, 1480, the Great Stand on the Ugra River began.

In the late 1470s, the Grand Duchy of Moscow refused to pay tribute to the Great Horde. In the spring of 1480, the Horde's ruler, Khan Akhmat, set out on a campaign against the defiant duchy. The enemy forces were stopped by the Russian army near the Ugra River, with all the river crossings blocked.

Russian commanders made full use of their advantage in ranged weaponry, shooting at the Horde's troops while they were still in the water. The battle for the crossings lasted nearly four days, but Akhmat's forces were unable to successfully cross the river at any point.

For six months, the two armies stood face to face, separated by the Ugra, without daring to launch a serious attack. This outcome suited Ivan III, while for Khan Akhmat, it was tantamount to defeat. In the end, the armies dispersed without a full-scale battle.

Historians believe that the Great Stand on the Ugra River marked the end of the Mongol-Tatar yoke, which had dominated Russia for over 250 years.

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