Commonwealth Of Independent States Collection

Brown bear catches a pink salmon in Kuril Lake
Brown bear (Ursus arctos) also known as a grizzly, feasts on sockeye salmon, which is a fundamental drama in Kamchatka's still largely intact ecosystem

Brown bears competing for salmon in Kuril Lake
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) competing for salmon in Kuril Lake, Kurilskoye Lake Preserve. So many salmon - pink, chum, sockeye, coho, chinook

Brown bear fishing for salmon in Kuril Lake
Brown bear (Ursus arctos) fishing for salmon in icy waters of Kuril Lake, Kurilskoye Lake Preserve; Kamchatka, Russia

Brown bear in Kuril Lake, Kamchatka, Russia
Brown bear (Ursus arctos) wades into Kuril Lake to fish for salmon. Brown bears, also known as grizzlies thrive in Kamchatka's still largely intact ecosystem; Kamchatka, Russia

Brown bear fishing for salmon for her cubs in Kuril Lake in Russia
Brown bear (Ursus arctos) with cubs on Kuril Lake in Kurilskoye Lake Preserve. There are almost 15,000 grizzly bears on Russian Kamchatka peninsula that provides habitat

Spawning salmon dominate traffic in the Ozernaya River, Russia
Spawning salmon with hook noses dominate traffic in the Ozernaya River. The biggest threat to salmon in Russia is poaching; Russia

Spawning salmon dominate traffic in the Ozernaya River, Russia
Spawning salmon with hook noses dominate traffic in the Ozernaya River; Russia

Brown bear catches a salmon in Kuril Lake
Icy water flies as a Brown bear (Ursus arctos) catches a salmon in Kuril Lake, Kurilskoye Lake Preserve. Bears need to eat about 40 fish a day to put on weight to make it through the winter;

Antique Commercial Map of the World from 1891. Showing the British Empire in Red

A bog star flower in a river-edge meadow

Flag of the Commonwealth of Independent States, CIS

Russia, Novgorod, Commercial Side (Torgovaja Storona) and Court of Jaroslav on Volchov River
Russia - Novgorod - Commercial Side (Torgovaja Storona) and the Court of Jaroslav on Volchov River

Russia, Historic Monuments of Novgorod, trading area (torgovaja storona) and Jaroslavs Court on Volkhov river
Russia - Historic Monuments of Novgorod (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1992). The trading area (torgovaja storona) and Jaroslavs Court on Volkhov river

Russia, Central Saint Petersburg, Peter and Paul Fortress (Petropavlovskaja krepost) UNESCO World Heritage Site

Russia, Central Saint Petersburg, Peter and Paul Fortress on river Neva UNESCO World Heritage Site

Russia, Saint Petersburg, Peter and Paul Fortress on river Neva UNESCO World Heritage Site

Russia, St Petersburg, the tree-lined Swan canal leading out to the Neva is named after the swans which were once drawn to its peaceful waters that are frozen with ice

Russia, St Petersburg, the Winter Canal, laid out in 1718-20, is a narrow canal crossed by three bridges and Yuriy Veltins Hermitage Theatre Foyer

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The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is a diverse and culturally rich region, as depicted in this antique commercial map of the world. The CIS comprises several countries that were once part of the Soviet Union, each with its unique history and heritage. In the heartland of Russia lies Novgorod, where the commercial side (Torgovaja Storona) and Court of Jaroslav on Volchov River stand as testaments to its prosperous trading past. These historic monuments showcase the architectural marvels that have shaped this city's identity over centuries. Moving westward, we find ourselves in Saint Petersburg, a city known for its grandeur and elegance. The Summer Palace (Letniy Dvorets), located within the historic center, exudes opulence fit for royalty. Meanwhile, Peter and Paul Fortress (Petropavlovskaya krepost) stands tall on the banks of river Neva, guarding Saint Petersburg with an imposing presence. Aerial views capture the magnificence of Peter and Paul Fortress from different angles along river Neva. This iconic landmark has become synonymous with Russian history and serves as a reminder of their resilience throughout time. Beyond Russia's borders lies Armenia's Dilizan Region - home to Hagarcin Monastery. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, this ancient monastery offers solace to those seeking spiritual enlightenment while showcasing Armenia's rich cultural heritage. As we explore these captivating glimpses into the Commonwealth of Independent States' wonders - from historical landmarks like Novgorod to architectural masterpieces in Saint Petersburg - it becomes evident that this region is brimming with beauty and intrigue at every turn.