Kaffa

Kaffa, or FEODOSIA, a seaport in the Russian government of Taurida, on a bay on the east side of the Crimea, 62 miles E. by N. of Simferopol. It is defended by walls and a citadel, and contains the ruined palace of the Khans of the Crimea and a Greek cathedral. Near by is an Armenian monastery (1442). Soap and caviare, camel-hair carpets, and sheepskin rugs are manufactured; and here is the only oyster-fishery in Russia. The harbour is safe and spacious, but there is comparatively little shipping. Pop. (1891) 10,796.—The ancient Theodosia or Feodosia was a flourishing colony of the Milesians; in the 13th century the Genoese founded here a successful trade-depot, which they called Kaffa. It fell to the Turks in 1475, and to the Russians in 1792.