The official foundation date of Zaporozhye is 952 year, however, many historians are guided by the 1770 date, it is the date when the Fortress of Alexander construction began, the historic name of Zaporozhye was Aleksandrovsk. In 1921 Aleksandrovsk was renamed in Zaporozhye, the name associated with the location of the city - over the rapids of the Dnieper river. Modern Zaporozhye is a big industrial center, the most well developed branches of economy is mechanical engineering, metallurgy and chemical industry. Education sector of Zaporozhye includes more than 10 institutions of higher education. The city of Zaporozhye hosts numerous annual art and musical festivals.