Gazaria, Medieval trading colony in Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine
Gazaria was a Genoese colony stretching along the southern Crimean coast, comprising multiple harbor towns and trading stations. The territory served as a crucial link between Europe and Asia across the Black Sea.
The colony began in 1266 following the Treaty of Nymphaeum and grew into a major trading power in the region. It ended in 1475 when the Ottoman Empire conquered the area and brought Genoese rule to an end.
The colony attracted merchants and craftspeople from many lands, creating a blend of Italian, Greek, and Slavic customs in daily life. This mixing shaped how people built their homes and conducted business along the Black Sea coast.
The territory included multiple ports and settlements scattered across the coast, with Kaffa, now Feodosia, serving as the administrative hub. A visit requires planning since historical sites are spread throughout the region.
A council of eight magistrates governed the colony in rotating six-month terms, creating a specialized system for trade matters. This administrative setup was unusual for its time and showed how seriously merchants took organization in a busy trading region.
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