# Sudak > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Sudak > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Sudak.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudak > Source revision: 1346531215 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Town in Crimea City in Crimea, Ukraine Sudak Судак Sudaq City Sudak Coat of arms Interactive map of Sudak Sudak Location of Sudak (red dot) within Crimea Show map of Crimea Sudak Location of Sudak within Ukraine Show map of Ukraine Sudak Location of Sudak within the Black Sea Region Show map of Black Sea Coordinates: 44°51′5″N 34°58′21″E / 44.85139°N 34.97250°E / 44.85139; 34.97250 Country Ukraine (occupied by Russia) Autonomous republic Crimea (de jure) Raion Feodosia Raion (de jure) Federal subject Crimea (de facto) Municipality Sudak Municipality (de facto) Government • Mayor Vladimir Serov Area • Total 15 km2 (5.8 sq mi) Elevation 50 m (160 ft) Population (2014) • Total 16,492 • Density 1,086.6/km2 (2,814/sq mi) Time zone UTC+3 (MSK) Postal code 98000 — 98015 Area code +7-36566 Former names Soldaia (until 1475), Sougdeia, Sidagios Climate Cfa **Sudak** ([Ukrainian](/source/Ukrainian_language) and [Russian](/source/Russian_language): Судак; [Crimean Tatar](/source/Crimean_Tatar_language): *Sudaq*; [Greek](/source/Greek_language): Σουγδαία; sometimes spelled **Sudac** or **Sudagh**) is a city, multiple former Eastern Orthodox bishopric and double Latin Catholic [titular see](/source/Titular_see). It is of regional significance in [Crimea](/source/Crimea), a territory recognized by most countries as part of [Ukraine](/source/Ukraine) but annexed by [Russia](/source/Russia) as the [Republic of Crimea](/source/Republic_of_Crimea_(Russia)). Sudak serves as the administrative center of [Sudak Municipality](/source/Sudak_Municipality), one of the regions Crimea is divided into. It is situated 57 km (35 mi) to the west of [Feodosia](/source/Feodosia) (the nearest railway station) and 104 km (65 mi) to the east of [Simferopol](/source/Simferopol), the republic's capital. Population: 16,492 ([2014 Census](/source/Crimean_Federal_District_Census_(2014))).[1] A city of [antiquity](/source/Classical_antiquity), today it is a popular resort, best known for its [Genoese fortress](/source/Genoese_fortress%2C_Sudak), the best preserved on the northern shore of the [Black Sea](/source/Black_Sea). ## History Map of the [Khazar Khaganate](/source/Khazar_Khaganate) and surrounding states, c. 820 CE. Area of direct Khazar control shown in dark blue, sphere of influence in purple. Other boundaries shown in dark red. ### Foundation and early Middle Ages The date and circumstances of the city's foundation are uncertain. The first written reference to the city dates to the 7th century (in the *[Ravenna Cosmography](/source/Ravenna_Cosmography)*[2]), but later local tradition places its foundation in 212 CE, and archaeological evidence supports its foundation in [Roman](/source/Roman_Empire) times. The city was in all likelihood founded by the [Alans](/source/Alans), as its name in Greek sources, *Sougdaia* is a cognate of the adjective *sugda* ("pure, holy") or derives from the word *sugded*/*sogdad* in the [Ossetian language](/source/Ossetian_language).[3] In the early Middle Ages, the city appears to have been under very loose [Byzantine](/source/Byzantine_Empire) control, like other cities in the region.[3] Archaeological remains indicate considerable construction activity near the shore in the 6th century.[2] Under Byzantine influence, the city was subject to [Christianization](/source/Christianization), and became the seat of a bishopric under the [Patriarch of Constantinople](/source/Ecumenical_Patriarch_of_Constantinople), attested for the first time in the [Second Council of Nicaea](/source/Second_Council_of_Nicaea) in 787. Although a Greek-speaking population was probably settled in the city, the area remained dominated by the Alans: a 9th-century hagiography of [Apostle Andrew](/source/Apostle_Andrew) places "Upper Sougdaia" elsewhere, between [Zichia](/source/Zichia) and the [Cimmerian Bosporus](/source/Cimmerian_Bosporus), "in the land of the Alans", while the hagiographer of [Constantine the Philosopher](/source/Saints_Cyril_and_Methodius) mentions the tribe of *Sougdoi*, situated between the [Iberians](/source/Principality_of_Iberia) and the [Crimean Goths](/source/Crimean_Goths), which the historian [Francis Dvornik](/source/Francis_Dvornik) identifies as the Alans.[2] The period between the 8th and 11th centuries is obscure, but the available evidence points to a sharp decline in Sougdaia's fortunes. Archaeological evidence shows that the 6th-century constructions were abandoned in the 8th/9th century, while later Russian legends (probably apocryphal) claim that the city was captured by the [Rus'](/source/Rus'_(people)) chieftain, [Bravlin](/source/Bravlin), at around the same time. Byzantine control lapsed, and the city probably came under [Khazar](/source/Khazar) suzerainty thereafter, which lasted until the early 11th century.[3][2] In the early 10th century, the local see was promoted to an [archbishopric](/source/Archbishopric).[3] ### High and late Middle Ages The 11th–14th centuries represent a period of prosperity for the city, as shown in archaeological evidence of renewed activity both in the harbour as well as the hinterland and the area of the citadel. It became an important location for trading on the [Silk Road](/source/Silk_Road) in the 12th and 13th centuries, as a terminus for Black Sea trade. The 14th-century Arab traveller [Ibn Battuta](/source/Ibn_Battuta) even compares its harbour with that of [Alexandria](/source/Alexandria).[2] The 13th-century chronicler [Ibn al-Athir](/source/Ibn_al-Athir) writes of it as the "city of the [Qifjaq](/source/Kipchaks) from which (flow) their material possessions. It is on the Khazar Sea. Ships come to it bearing clothes. The Qifjiqs buy from them and sell them slaves. Burtas furs, beaver, squirrels ..."[4] By the mid-11th century, Sougdaia had returned to Byzantine control, probably following the defeat of the Khazar warlord [Georgius Tzul](/source/Georgius_Tzul) in 1016. An inscription of 1059 mentions Leo Aliates, "*[strategos](/source/Strategos)* of [Cherson](/source/Cherson_(theme)) and Sougdaia".[3][2] By the end of the century, however, the city passed under [Cuman](/source/Cumans) control, which lasted until the 13th century. In c. 1222 the [Seljuk Turks](/source/Sultanate_of_Rum) besieged it, followed by destructive raids by the [Mongol Empire](/source/Mongol_Empire) in 1223 and 1238. Finally, in c. 1249 the city came under the control of the Mongol [Golden Horde](/source/Golden_Horde), although it retained considerable autonomy. Contemporary sources place its population at the time to 8,300, including Greeks, Alans, Mongols, Armenians, Latins, and Jews.[3][5] Crimea in the middle of the 15th century Under Tatar rule, the city was governed by the notables of the city and the 18 villages surrounding it. In the Greek sources they are mentioned by the Byzantine title *[sebastos](/source/Sebastos)*, while the Latin sources use the Latinized Greek term *proti* ("first men").[3] Sometime between 1275 and 1282, the local see, which after being united with [Phoulloi](/source/Phoulloi) in the late 11th century was known as *Sougdophoulloi*, was raised to the status of a [metropolitan see](/source/Metropolitan_see).[3] The city's prosperity was increased by the establishment of [Venetian](/source/Republic_of_Venice) and [Genoese](/source/Republic_of_Genoa) commercial colonies in the Crimea during the late 13th century, but at the same time, the area was drawn into the constant disputes between these two rival cities.[3] In the early 14th century, the city was eclipsed by the Genoese colonies of [Tana](/source/Tanais) and [Kaffa](/source/Kaffa_(city)): the Florentine merchant [Francesco Balducci Pegolotti](/source/Francesco_Balducci_Pegolotti), who visited the area in c. 1330, neglects to mention the city altogether.[2] At about the same time, the Tatars converted to Islam, which led to a deterioration of their relations with the Greek-speaking and Christian inhabitants of the city, many of whom were forced to leave it.[3] As a result, on 19 July 1365, the Genoese from Kaffa seized the city, which became a Genoese trading colony. The Genoese refortified the city, constructing the citadel that is still visible today, and induced a large part of the deported Greeks to return.[3] Genoese rule lasted until 1475, when the Ottoman [Grand Vizier](/source/Grand_Vizier) [Gedik Ahmed Pasha](/source/Gedik_Ahmed_Pasha) captured it after a long siege.[3] The [Genoese fortress](/source/Genoese_fortress%2C_Sudak) ### Ottoman and modern periods Lutheran Church, 1887 (German colony since 1804) The [Ottomans](/source/Ottoman_Empire) took control of *Soldaia* and all other Genoese colonies, as well as the [Principality of Theodoro](/source/Principality_of_Theodoro) in 1475. Although Sudak was the strategical center of a *[qadılıq](/source/Qadi)*, the smallest administrative unit in the Ottoman Empire, the town lost much of its military and commercial importance, until the [Crimean Khanate](/source/Crimean_Khanate) took over. In 1771, Sudak was occupied by [Rumyantsev's](/source/Pyotr_Rumyantsev) army. In 1783, it definitively passed to the [Russian Empire](/source/Russian_Empire), with the rest of [Crimea](/source/Crimea). Though sometimes contested, it seems that a mass emigration occurred as a result of the ensuing instability in that period. Even [Potemkin](/source/Pavel_Potemkin) ordered in 1778 the eviction of the Christian population from Crimea. The town rapidly turned into a small village, and according to the 1805 census, Sudak had just 33 inhabitants. In 1804, the first Russian school of [viticulture](/source/Viticulture) was opened there. The town acquired its present status in 1982. Panorama of Sudak ## Ecclesiastical history ### Byzantine metropolis of Sougdaia It is unknown when the Byzantine see of Sougdaia was established, but it is attested for the first time in 787. It was in the sway of the [Patriarchate of Constantinople](/source/Patriarchate_of_Constantinople), where it ranked 35th according to the *[Notitia Episcopatuum](/source/Notitia_Episcopatuum)* edited by [Byzantine emperor](/source/Byzantine_emperor) [Leo VI](/source/Leo_VI_the_Wise) (r. 886–912). In the 10th century it was promoted to an archbishopric. After merging with the nearby see of [Phoulloi](/source/Phoulloi) towards the end of the 11th century, it was known as *Sougdophoulloi*. It was raised to metropolitan status in 1275/82. Its historical bishops were : - St. Stephen, 787 - Constantine, in 997. See also [Russian Orthodox Diocese of Surozh](/source/Russian_Orthodox_Diocese_of_Sourozh) for Surozh, the old name of the city as an [episcopal see](/source/Episcopal_see) in the [Russian Orthodox Church](/source/Russian_Orthodox_Church), which has been nominally transferred to the Russian Orthodox Diocese in [Great Britain](/source/Great_Britain) and [Ireland](/source/Ireland). ### Latin bishopric of Soldaia Under Genoese rule, a Latin Catholic diocese of Soldaia was established in 1390, which has had the following residential bishops : - Bonifacius (19 August 1393 – ? death) - John Greenlaw, [O.F.M.](/source/Friars_Minor) (18 September 1400 – ?) - Ludovico, [O.P.](/source/Dominican_Order) (? – 15 December 1427) - Agostino di Caffa, O.P. (23 July 1432 – ? death) - Giovanni di Pera, O.P. (9 July 1456 – ? death) - Leonard Wisbach, O.P. (6 October 1480 – ? death) It was suppressed circa 1500 after the Ottoman conquest of the Crimea in 1475. ### Latin titular metropolitan see of Sugdaea In 1933 the see was nominally restored as titular bishopric of Sugdæa (Sugdaea), which was promoted in 1948 to metropolitan [titular archbishopric](/source/Titular_archbishopric). It is vacant for decades, having had a single incumbent : - Titular Archbishop Thomas Roberts, [S.J.](/source/Jesuit_Order) (1950.12.04 – 1970.12.07), emeritus as former Metropolitan Archbishop of [Bombay](/source/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Bombay) (India) (1937.08.12 – 1950.12.04). ### Latin titular episcopal see of Soldaia In 1933 the diocese was nominally restored as a Latin Catholic [titular bishopric](/source/Titular_bishopric). It has been vacant for decades, having had a single incumbent: - Titular Bishop José Romão Martenetz, [Basilian Order of Saint Josaphat](/source/Basilian_Order_of_Saint_Josaphat) (O.S.B.M.) (1958.05.10 – 1971.11.29), as [Auxiliary Bishop](/source/Auxiliary_Bishop) of [Brazil of the Eastern Rite](/source/Brazil_of_the_Eastern_Rite) (Brazil) (1958.05.10 – 1962.05.30); succeeded as [Apostolic Exarch](/source/Apostolic_Exarch) of Brazil of the Ukrainians (Brazil) (1962.05.30 – 1971.11.29), later Eparch (Bishop) of [São João Batista em Curitiba of the Ukrainians](/source/S%C3%A3o_Jo%C3%A3o_Batista_em_Curitiba_of_the_Ukrainians) (Brazil) (1971.11.29 – 1978.03.10). ## Demographics As of the [2001 Ukrainian census](/source/2001_Ukrainian_census), Sudak had a population of 29,448. More than half of the population were ethnic [Russians](/source/Russians_in_Ukraine). In an addition to the ethnic Russian majority, the city is also inhabited by big [Ukrainian](/source/Ukrainians) and [Crimean Tatar](/source/Crimean_Tatars) minorities, which combined make up 35% of the population. Smaller minority groups include [Belarusians](/source/Belarusians_in_Ukraine), [Armenians](/source/Armenians_in_Ukraine), [Tatars](/source/Tatars) and [Poles](/source/Poles_in_Ukraine).[6] Ethnic groups in Sudak percent Russians 59.23% Ukrainians 17.57% Crimean Tatars 17.42% Belarusians 1.31% Tatars 0.97% Armenians 0.47% Moldovans 0.14% Poles 0.12% Azerbaijanis 0.12% ## Notable people - [Zlata Ognevich](/source/Zlata_Ognevich) (born 1986), Ukrainian singer - [Nikolai Ziber](/source/Nikolai_Ziber) (1844-1888), Ukrainian economist ## See also - [Gazaria (Genoese colonies)](/source/Gazaria_(Genoese_colonies)) - the name for Genoese communities in Crimea - [List of Catholic dioceses in Ukraine](/source/List_of_Catholic_dioceses_in_Ukraine) - [Roman Crimea](/source/Roman_Crimea) - [Krasnokam‘yanka - Qızıltaş - Krasnokamyenka](/source/Krasnokamianka_(village)) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2014Census_1-0)** Russian Federal State Statistics Service (2014). ["Таблица 1.3. Численность населения Крымского федерального округа, городских округов, муниципальных районов, городских и сельских поселений"](https://www.gks.ru/free_doc/new_site/population/demo/perepis_krim/tab-krim/pub-01-03.xlsx) [Table 1.3. Population of Crimean Federal District, Its Urban Okrugs, Municipal Districts, Urban and Rural Settlements]. *Федеральное статистическое наблюдение «Перепись населения в Крымском федеральном округе». ("Population Census in Crimean Federal District" Federal Statistical Examination)* (in Russian). [Federal State Statistics Service](/source/Russian_Federal_State_Statistics_Service). Retrieved January 4, 2016. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ODB_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ODB_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ODB_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-ODB_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-ODB_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-ODB_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-ODB_2-6) Pritsak, Omeljan (1991). "Sougdaia". In [Kazhdan, Alexander](/source/Alexander_Kazhdan) (ed.). *[The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium](/source/The_Oxford_Dictionary_of_Byzantium)*. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 1931. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-19-504652-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-504652-6). 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-EHW_3-11) Papageorgiou, Angeliki. ["Sougdaia"](http://www.ehw.gr/l.aspx?id=11829). *Encyclopaedia of the Hellenic World, Black Sea*. Retrieved 24 June 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** H. B. Paksoy, [Central Asian Monuments](https://books.google.com/books?id=j56OM_uRA8wC&q=Central+Asian+Monuments), p.31. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Members of the [Polo](/source/Marco_Polo) family and other Venetian merchants having resided in the town since the 12th century. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Національний склад міст"](https://datatowel.in.ua/pop-composition/ethnic-cities). ## Sources - Vus, Oleh; Sorochan, Serhiy. Early Byzantine Burgs on the Coast of the Taurica and the European Bosporus (regarding the Question of the Military Presence of the Romans in the South-Eastern Crimea in the 4th—6th centuries) 2021. [https://www.academia.edu/86219660/Early_Byzantine_Burgs_on_the_Coast_of_the_Taurica_and_the_European_Bosporus_regarding_the_Question_of_the_Military_Presence_of_the_Romans_in_the_South_Eastern_Crimea_in_the_4th_6th_centuries_](https://www.academia.edu/86219660/Early_Byzantine_Burgs_on_the_Coast_of_the_Taurica_and_the_European_Bosporus_regarding_the_Question_of_the_Military_Presence_of_the_Romans_in_the_South_Eastern_Crimea_in_the_4th_6th_centuries_) - Vus, Oleh. Defense doctrine of Byzantium in the Northern Black Sea region: engineering defense of Taurika and the Bosphorus in the late 4th — early 7th centuries. 2010. [https://www.academia.edu/85524504/Defense_doctrine_of_Byzantium_in_the_Northern_Black_Sea_region_engineering_defense_of_Taurika_and_the_Bosphorus_in_the_late_4th_early_7th_centuries](https://www.academia.edu/85524504/Defense_doctrine_of_Byzantium_in_the_Northern_Black_Sea_region_engineering_defense_of_Taurika_and_the_Bosphorus_in_the_late_4th_early_7th_centuries) - Sugdea, Surozh, Soldaia in History and Culture of the Ruthenian Ukraine - Scientific conference materials, Kiev-Sudaq, 2002 *(prints only)* (in Russian) - Sugdea Collection, Kiev-Sudaq (Академпериодика, 2004) (in Russian) - Miscellaneous publications by A. Yu. Vinogradov - Pius Bonifacius Gams, *Series episcoporum Ecclesiae Catholicae*, Leipzig 1931, p. 428 - Michel Lequien, *Oriens christianus in quatuor Patriarchatus digestus*, Paris 1740, Vol. I, coll. 1229-1232 - Daniele Farlati-Jacopo Coleti, *Illyricum Sacrum*, vol. VIII, Venice 1819, p. 126 - Konrad Eubel, *Hierarchia Catholica Medii Aevi*, vol. 1, p. 457; vol. 2, p. 240 - ([Библиотека Якова Кротова](http://www.krotov.info/spravki/persons/21person/1976vinogradov.htm)) (in Russian) ## External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Sudak](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sudak). - [GCatholic Soldaia](http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/former/t1630.htm) - [GCatholic Sugdaea](http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/former/t1666.htm) - [History and monuments of Sudak](http://archeologia.narod.ru/krim/sudak.htm) (in Russian) - [Monastery of St. Stephen of Surozh](http://krim-palomnik.ru/index.php?page=22) (in Russian) - [The murder of the Jews of Sudak](http://www.yadvashem.org/untoldstories/database/index.asp?cid=668) during [World War II](/source/World_War_II), at [Yad Vashem](/source/Yad_Vashem) website. v t e Sudak Municipality Administrative center: Sudak Cities Sudak Rural settlements Novyi Svit Villages Bahativka Dachne Hromivka Hrushivka Kholodivka Lisne Mizhrichchia Morske Myndalne Perevalivka Pryberezhne Soniachna Dolyna Vesele Voron v t e Administrative divisions of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (before 2023) Capital: Simferopol Raions Bakhchysarai Bilohirsk Chornomorske Dzhankoi Kirovske / Isliam Terek Krasnohvardiiske / Kurman Krasnoperekopsk / Perekop Lenine / Yedy-Kuiu Nyzhniohirskyi Pervomaiske Rozdolne Saky Simferopol Sovietskyi / Ichki Municipalities Alushta Armiansk Dzhankoi Feodosia Kerch Krasnoperekopsk / Yany Kapu Saky Simferopol Sudak Yalta Yevpatoria Cities Regional Alushta Armiansk Dzhankoi Feodosia Kerch Krasnoperekopsk / Yany Kapu Saky Simferopol Sudak Yalta Yevpatoria District Alupka Bakhchysarai Bilohirsk Shcholkine Staryi Krym Urban-type settlements Category:Crimea v t e Administrative divisions of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (since 2023) Capital: Simferopol Raions Bakhchysarai Bilohirsk Dzhankoi Feodosia Kerch Kurman Perekop Simferopol Yalta Yevpatoria Cities and rural settlements under the hromadas Cities Alupka Alushta Armiansk Bilohirsk Bakhchysarai Dzhankoi Feodosia Inkerman Kerch Krasnoperekopsk / Yany Kapu Simferopol Saky Shcholkine Staryi Krym Sudak Yalta Yevpatoria Rural settlements Aeroflotskyi Ahrarne Azovske Baherove Berehove Chornomorske Foros Haspra Hurzuf Holuba Zatoka Hresivskyi Hvardiiske Katsiveli Kirovske / Isliam-Terek Koktebel Komsomolske / Bakachyk-Kyiat Koreiz Krasnohvardiiske / Kurman Krasnokamianka Kuibysheve / Albat Kurortne Kurpaty Lenine / Yedy-Kuiu Livadiia Masandra Molodizhne Mykolaivka Myrnyi Nauchnyi Nikita Novofedorivka Novoozerne Novoselivske Novyi Svit Nyzhnohirskyi Oktiabrske / Biiuk-Onlar Ordzhonikidze / Kaihador Oreanda Parkove Partenit Pervomaiske Ponyzivka Poshtove Prymorskyi Rozdolne Sanatorne Shchebetovka Simeiz Sokolyne Sovietske / Dolossy Sovietskyi / Ichki Vidradne Vilne Voskhod Vynohradne Zaozerne Zuia 1Due to continued occupation, not yet implemented Authority control databases International VIAF GND National United States Czech Republic Latvia Israel Other Internet Encyclopedia of Ukraine Yale LUX --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Sudak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudak) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudak?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.