Orsha

Orsha (Belarusian: Орша, romanized: Orša;[a] Russian: Орша, .mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%}IPA: [ˈorʂə]; Lithuanian: Orša, Polish: Orsza) is a city in Vitebsk Region, Belarus. It is situated on the fork of the Dnieper River and Arshytsa River, and it serves as the administrative center of Orsha District.[1] As of 2024, it has a population of 102,759.[1] Orsha was first mentioned in 1067 as Rsha, making it one of the oldest towns in Belarus. The town was named after the river, which was originally also named Rsha, probably from a Baltic root *rus 'slowly flowing.'[2] In 1320, Orsha became a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Between 1398–1407, the Orsha castle was built. On 8 September 1514 the famous Battle of Orsha occurred, between allied Grand Duchy of Lithuania with Kingdom of Poland and Muscovite army.[3] The Muscovites suffered significant defeat; however, the victorious Grand Duchy of Lithuania did not fully avail its victory.[3]