Uray

Uray (Russian: Ура́й) is a town in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, located on the Konda River 350 kilometers (220 mi) from Khanty-Mansiysk. Population: 39,457 (2010 Census); 38,872 (2002 Census); 37,198 (1989 Census).

History

It was founded as a settlement for oil field workers. It was granted town status in 1965.

Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, it is incorporated as the town of okrug significance of Uray—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts. As a municipal division, the town of okrug significance of Uray is incorporated as Uray Urban Okrug.

Economy

Uray is the organizational center of the oil-extracting region. In 1960, the first oil field in Siberia—the Shaimskoye field—opened here). Uray is the starting point of the Shaim–Tyumen oilpipe line. TPP Uraуneftegaz OOO "LUKoil- Zapadnaya Sibir" oil reprocessor plant is located in Uray.

Other Uray's industries include food industry and housebuilding.

Transportation

Uray (caste group)

Urāy (Devanagari: उराय्) (alternative names: Udaaya, Udās) is a Newar Buddhist merchant caste of Kathmandu in Nepal. They are a prominent community in the business and cultural life of Kathmandu. Urays have played key roles in the development of trade, industry, art, architecture, literature and Buddhism in Nepal and the Himalayan region.

The name Uray is said to have been derived from the Sanskrit term "upāsaka" which means "devout layman". The Uray follow Newar Buddhism and speak the Newar language as their mother tongue. They are believers in non-violence in personal relations and ritual practices.

History

An early reference to the Uray is contained in a 17th-century journal kept at the Buddhist monastic courtyard of Jana Baha, Kathmandu. Dated Nepal Sambat 763 (1643 AD), the journal entry states that King Laxmi Narsingh Malla has asked all the Urays to attend a religious service at Asan.

Urays are also known for their history as traders on the Silk Road. Operating out of business houses in Lhasa, Tibet and Kolkata, India, they were key players in the traditional Tibet trade for centuries. These merchants were known as the Lhasa Newar.