Belyov

Belyov (Russian: Белёв) is a town and the administrative center of Belyovsky District of Tula Oblast, Russia, located on the left bank of the Oka River. Population: 13,918 (2010 Census preliminary results); 16,083 (2002 Census); 18,345 (1989 Census); 17,000 (1967). As many other Upper Oka towns, Belyov was first mentioned in a chronicle in 1147. After disintegration of the Chernigov Principality in the wake of the Mongol invasion of Russia, Belyov became a seat of local princely dynasty. The princes of Belyov fluctuated between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Muscovy, until they moved to the latter state. The town contains one of the oldest churches in Tula Oblast.