Gümüşhane

▪ Turkey

also spelled  Gümüşane,  

      city, northeastern Turkey. It lies along the Harşit River, at an elevation of 5,000 feet (1,500 metres), about 40 miles (65 km) southwest of Trabzon. The origin and history of the ancient settlement are obscure. The silver (Turkish: gümüş) mines from which the city's name is derived were mentioned by Marco Polo and the medieval North African traveler Ibn Baṭṭūṭah; they have been worked out since the 19th century. Since then the economy of Gümüşhane has been based upon the export of fruits (chiefly apples and pears) from its orchards and upon its position as a transit station between the port of Trabzon and western Iran. Russian occupation during World War I left half of the old city in ruin; the new city built since then is now the commercial and administrative centre. Nearby historical buildings include partially ruined castles, Turkish baths, mosques, and several Byzantine churches. Pop. (2000) 30,270.

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