THE ISTHMUS OF PEREKOP.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 308, 13 October 1855, Page 4

THE ISTHMUS OF PEREKOP.

The Isthmus of Perekop, which unites the Crimea to the main laud, is so often mentioned in the accounts of the allied troops in tbe East that the following particulars respecting it will probably prove of interest;— " The Isthmus of Perekop, called, in the Tartar language, the 'Gate of Gold,' is situated between the Black Sea and the Putrid Sea, aud is 10 versts long by 6 wide (25 versts make 20

miles). To the west extends the GulfofPerekop, closed on the side of the coutinent by Cape Seilgasch, and on the side of the Crimea by a promontory of the same name as the Isthmus. Perekop is the capital of the circle of that nam* which touches the circle of Aleschki, Simpheropol, and Eupatoria. On the east the country is indented by a great number of bays ; and.se--, vend streams, one of which is the Salghir, water it. The climate generally is insalubrious. The towu and fortress of Perekop are situated in the isthmus, between the Gulf of Sfw_sch in the Sea of Azoff, and a line of ramparts running, from east to west. A trench of twenty-four feet depth, provided with a drawbridge, and coated with cut stone on both sides, runs across the isthmus opposite the town. The situation of the town is not a good one, and the houses are poor in appearance, being covered with thatch, and the streets narrow and dirty. The.great article of trade is salt, which whole caravans come to carry away in summer. The inhabitants, about 3,000 in number at most (some writers say not more than 150,0), are composed of Russians, Tartars, Armenians and Jews. The citadel had formerly a certain importance, but a few years ago the walls were allowed to fall to ruin. Lately considerable repairs have been effected in the building, and other works have been erected. At three versts distance from Perekop is the village of Aruaenskoi, inhabited by Jews, Greeks, and Armenians,"who carry on a considerable trade in cattle of various kinds, but more particularly in lambs. It was in 1736 that tbe Russians appeared for the first time in the Crimea, under the command of Gen. Mun. nieh, who had with him about 100,000 nieu. They found the isthmus cut across by a trench 24 metres wide and 14 deep, and protected by a wall 20 metres high. All these -wprks were flanked by towers and defended by the fort of Orkapu. The entrenchments were, however, carried b.yjtbe Russians, and two days after the fortress surrendered. But it was not the bravery of the Russian troops .which thus achieved the entrance into the Crimea ; for they in reality succeeded partly by the treachery of the Tartars, and partly by the carelessness of the workmen who had been entrusted with the repairs of defence. Munnich was then able to devastate the peninsula as he pleased. The next year there was another attempt at invasion on the part of the Russians, but without success, as the walls were then repaired, and the Khan commaned in person and beat off the assailants. In 1773 the Russians tailed against the fortress, but the year after 90,000 men. succeeded iiL seizing on the Isthmus, which the Russians have since held possession of.