ERZERUM

(1) Vilayet, partly Armenian and partly Turkish, ade en centre of the Armenian plateau, an containing sources of Euphrates, Choruk, and Aras (Araxes); agricultural and forest country, with iron, saline, and sulphur springs, salt and coal. Area, prior to World War, 19,600 sq. m.; Pop. 645,700. (2) Cap. of above (39° 55’ N., 41°17’ E.), at E. end of plain watered by the sea and frequently snow-bound for six months in the year. Pop. 80,000. A place of great antiquity, it occupies the site of the citadel founded (5th cent.) by Byzantine emperor Theoodsius the younger as an outpost of empire; fell into hands of Turks 1519; occupied by Ru ians 1829; invested by them 1877, and restored to the Turks after Treaty of Berlin 1878; formerly important trading centre, and the strongest fortre in Turk. dominions. Defences on Deve Boyun (‘neck of the camel’), heights E. of the town, reorganized by Germans on outbreak of Great War, were carried by Ru ians (Feb. 15, 1916), and on following day citadel was occupied, with great booty; retaken by Turks early in 1918; seized by Georgians and Armenians, and later occupied by troops of stantinople. } E.), mts., between Saxony and Bohemia; ee 3980 ft.; produce lignite, silver,, etc. 39° 50’ E.), town, Erzerum, Turkey in Asia: has copper. cotton. and silk manufactures; thermal springs. Pop. c. 20,000.