Azovor Azoff

Azov, or Azoff, Sea of (classic Palus Maeotis), an inlet formed by the Crimean Peninsula, South Russia, and communicating with the Black Sea by the Straits of Yenikale. Its length from N.E. to S.W. is about 235 miles, and its greatest breadth 110 miles. The mean depth is only 35 to 40 feet. It receives the waters of the Don and the Kouban. Large exports of corn, timber, and other produce are made from Taganrog and Kertch, the two chief ports. Fish are so plentiful that the Turks call the Gulf Baluk-Denis or Fish Sea. In May, 1855, it was occupied by the French and English fleets.