Kerch is a historic city located on the eastern coast of the Crimean Peninsula, specifically on the Sea of Azov. It is situated at the narrowest point of the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. With a population of around 150,000 people, Kerch is one of the major cities in Crimea. The city has a rich and diverse history that dates back to ancient times. It was founded by the ancient Greeks in the 6th century BC and was known as Panticapaeum. Throughout its history, Kerch has been under the rule of various civilizations, including the Byzantine Empire, the Mongols, the Ottoman Empire, and the Russian Empire.