GUMUSH-KHANEH

gumush-khaneh, the chief town of a sanjak of the same name in the trebizond vilayet of asiatic turkey, situated on high ground (4400 ft.) in the valley of the kharshut su, about 1/2 m. to south of the trebizond-erzerum _chaussee_. the silver mines from which the place takes its name were noted in ancient times and are mentioned by marco polo. pop. about 3000, chiefly greeks, who are in the habit of emigrating to great distances to work in mines. they practically supply the whole lead and silver-mining labour in asiatic turkey, and in consequence the greek bishop of gumush-khaneh has under his jurisdiction all the communities engaged in this particular class of mines.