How to Pronounce Izmail

Meaning and Context

Izmail is a historic port city situated in the Odesa Oblast of southern Ukraine, strategically positioned on the northern bank of the Danube River near its confluence with the Chilia branch. Founded as a fortress, its location has made it a crucial Danube River port and a significant regional center for trade, transportation, and tourism in the Budjak region. The city is indelibly marked by its military history, most famously as the site of the 1790 Siege of Izmail, where Russian forces under General Alexander Suvorov captured the formidable Ottoman fortress in a brutal assault. This event, a pivotal moment in the Russo-Turkish War, is commemorated in history books and by a prominent monument to Suvorov in the city. Modern Izmail is a key Ukrainian gateway to the Danube–Black Sea Canal, supporting its economy through shipping, shipbuilding, and food processing, while its multicultural heritage reflects Ukrainian, Russian, Bulgarian, Moldovan, and Gagauz influences.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling for the city is Izmail. However, due to transliteration from Ukrainian (Ізмаїл) and Russian (Измаил), several variations and common errors occur. The most frequent alternate spelling is Izmayl, which replaces the 'i' with a 'y', a common transliteration choice from the Cyrillic 'й'. One may also encounter the spelling Ismail, which is a common error stemming from confusion with the common Arabic name or the Turkish city. Other misspellings include Izmail (dropping the first 'a') and Izmael. When searching for information, using the correct "Izmail" is most effective, but awareness of the "Izmayl" variant can be helpful for historical or certain map references.

Example Sentences

Cruise ships navigating the Danube River often make a stop at the bustling port of Izmail to allow tourists to explore its historic sites.

Historians regard the 1790 Siege of Izmail as a masterclass in military tactics, despite its horrific human cost.

The economy of Izmail is heavily dependent on its status as a major Ukrainian shipping hub on the Danube delta.

Visitors to the city can sense its multicultural past in the architecture and hear it in the blend of languages on the streets.

After the expansion of the Danube–Black Sea Canal, Izmail's strategic importance for regional trade increased significantly.

Many archival documents related to the Ottoman Empire's rule in the region are housed in Izmail's local history museum.

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