Taganrog (tȧ-gȧn-rôk′), a seaport of southern Russia, stands on the northern shore of the Sea of Azov. It was founded by Peter the Great in 1696. The shallow harbor forces ships to unload into barges half a mile from the quay. Wheat is the chief export, but linseed, skins and wool are also sent out. The place is strongly fortified and is the main port of the Sea of Azov. Alexander I built a beautiful palace and has a monument here. Other buildings are the admiralty, cathedral and marine hospital. French and English gunboats damaged Taganrog by bombardment in 1855. Population 58,928.
