Yoshkar-Ola is the capital of the Republic of Mari El and in the local Mari language it translates as the Red City. Previously it was known as Tsaryovokokshaysk from the words Tsar and Kokoshaga (the name of the local river) and then Krasnokokshaysk, from the Russian word for red (krasny). It is a small and comfortable city, and unique in the fact that a whole quarter has been rebuilt in a distinctive style, incorporating local national motives blended with elements of Venetian and Moorish architecture.