Omsk,

Omsk, chief town of the Russian province of Akmolinsk, stands at the confluence of the Om with the Irtish, 1800 miles E. of Moscow. It was built in 1716 as a defence against the Kirghiz; but is now of no importance as a fortress. It is the seat of administration for the Steppe provinces of western Asia. It has a military academy, a Greek and a Roman Catholic cathedral, a museum, governor's palace, &c., and a declining trade with the Kirghiz in cattle, hides, furs, and tea. It is a considerable river port. Pop. (1895) 54,750.