Uyezd or uezd (Russian: уе́зд, pronounced [uˈjɛst]) was an admistrative subdivision of Rus', Muscovy, and Russian Empire used from the 13th century, originally describing groups of several volosts formed around the most important cities. Uyezds were ruled by the representatives (namestniks) of knyaz and, starting from the 17th century, by voyevodas.
In 1708, an administrative reform was carried out by Peter the Great, dividing Russia into governorates (Russian: губерния, guberniya). The subdivision into uyezds was abolished at that time and was only reinstated in 1727, as a result of Catherine I's administrative reform.
By the Soviet administrative reform of 1923–1929, uyezds were transformed into raions (districts).
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