Updated: 27.11.2003

Formerly Azak, or Tana, town, Rostov Region, south-western Russia. Pop. (1994 est.) 80,900.

Azov lies on the left bank of the Don River, 4 miles (7 km) east of the Sea of Azov.

The Greek colony of Tanais, the first known major city in the region, was founded there in the 6th century BC. It changed hands and was renamed several times over the ensuing centuries. It became the Genoese colony of Tana (established 1316-22), which in 1471 was captured by the Turks and held as a fortress; it fell to Peter I the Great in 1696.

The town Peter founded in 1708 on the site was lost to the Turks but regained in 1739. The town has since silted up and lost its functions to nearby Rostov-on-Don.

Azov's industries include machine building, fish processing,lumber milling, and light manufacturing.