Taganrog Gulf

The Gulf of Taganrog forms the northeastern arm of the Sea of Azov, receiving the waters of the Don. Its shallow bed and shifting sandbanks restrict larger vessels, while the river connects the sea with the steppe interior. Medieval merchants sailed toward Tana near the Don's mouth. After capturing Azov, Peter the Great began developing Taganrog as a harbour where seagoing ships could meet shallow craft from the river.