The Birlya (Russian: Бирля; Tatar: Бәрле), a tributary of the Sviyaga, is a river in the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia. The name has its origin from the Tatar language words bure and ile which mean "the river on the place of wolves" or Finno-Ugric languages word hop. There is information that Cheremisa people (Mari people) used to raise hop.

Birlya
EtymologyTatar or Finno-Ugric
Native nameБирля (Russian)
Location
CountryRussia
RegionRepublic of Tatarstan
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • coordinates55°19′13″N 47°57′21″E / 55.3202°N 47.9557°E / 55.3202; 47.9557
MouthSviyaga
 • coordinates
55°31′06″N 48°26′58″E / 55.5182°N 48.4494°E / 55.5182; 48.4494
Length48 km (30 mi)
Basin size385 km2 (149 sq mi)
Basin features
ProgressionSviyagaVolgaCaspian Sea

Geography edit

The Birlya is 48 kilometres (30 mi) long, and its drainage basin covers 385 square kilometres (149 sq mi).[1] The Birlya begins south of a village Bolshoe Podberezye, 3 km away. It flows into the Sviyaga, north of the village Burunduki. This river is 5–8 metres (16–26 ft) wide. As for hydrology, it is a low river. Flow distribution is irregular.

Practical use edit

This river is used by locals for daily living needs, as a drinking place of a nowt.[clarification needed] It has been recognized as natural landmark since 10 January 1978.

References edit

  1. ^ «Река Бездна», Russian State Water Registry
  • Татарская энциклопедия: В 6 т /Гл. ред. М. Х. Хасанов, отв. ред. Г. С. Сабирзянов. — Казань: Институт Татарской энциклопедии АН РТ.
  • Главный редактор А.И. Щеповских. "Государственный реестр особо охраняемых природных территорий в Республике Татарстан, издание второе". Кабинет Министров Республики Татарстан. Retrieved 2010-05-12.[dead link]