As well as other fortified points in Siberia, the fortress of SV. Petra was strengthened militarily: the garrison was increased, wooden walls and bastions were replaced with earthen ones. The barracks were rebuilt, and a "salt house" was built to receive representatives of Kokand. According to the instructions of the Senate, kolodniki exiled to Siberia for hard labor (up to 100–300) were used for the work. In 1772, the fortress had two suburbs: the upland part and the foothills. The merchant class grew, as the fortress became a major political and economic center of the priishimye region.
As well as other fortified points in Siberia the fortress of SV Petra was strengthened militarily the garrison was increased wooden walls and bastions were replaced with earthen ones The barracks were rebuilt and a "salt house" was built to receive representatives of Kokand According to the instructions of the Senate kolodniki exiled to Siberia for hard labor (up to 100–300) were used for the work In 1772 the fortress had two suburbs the upland part and the foothills The merchant class grew as the fortress became a major political and economic center of the priishimye region