Bialystok (Russian Belostok), city, northeastern Poland, capital of Bialystok Province. The province is a plain drained by the Bug and Narew rivers. Bialystok Province is primarily agricultural; industries are concentrated in the capital. The chief crops are flax, oats, potatoes, and rye. The city is a center of the Polish textile industry; other manufactures include agricultural machinery, chemicals, cutlery, processed foods, tiles, and tools.
Bialystok was founded in 1310. In 1795 it was annexed to Prussia and in 1807 to Russia. In 1921 Bialystok was returned to Poland. The city was captured by Germany during each of the world wars. The province was incorporated into the USSR during World War II. In August 1945, Bialystok was ceded to Poland. Population (1997 estimate) 282,500.
