Northern Caucasians, Genoese Colonies and the Crimean Khanate in the 15th Century

Abstract

In the 15th century, between Tana (Azov) and Sebastopol (Sukhumi), 39 colonies of the Genoese emerged in the northwestern Caucasus. The ethnic composition of the Genoese colonies was quite diverse. However, in this diversity, the number of Genoese was extremely small. From a legal perspective, the Genoese were completely privileged citizens, as in the self-governing bodies of the minority population in the colonies, they held as many seats as the other residents combined, who were ten times greater in number than the Genoese. During this period, there was a significant response to slave trading. The vast majority of slaves who were taken from the Black Sea coast to other countries primarily consisted of Tatars, Adyghe, Abkhazians, and Dagestanis, as well as other Caucasians. Particularly large markets were held in the cities of Caffa, Tana, Sebastopol, and Koper. In the second half of the 13th century, the Tatars began to gain a foothold in Crimea. Initially, they chose a nomadic lifestyle and only stayed in Crimea for wintering, returning to the steppes of the Dniester in the spring with their herds. Over time, they seized lands and subjugated the local populations living there: Laz, Armenians, Greeks, and Slavs. By the early 14th century, the Tatars had firmly established themselves in Crimea and set up a local lordship under the suzerainty of the Golden Horde, whose leader, the “tumanji,” appointed by the Golden Horde, enjoyed significant powers.