DANUBE DELTA
nature, history, civilization

Cultural itinerary

Authors: Cristina Dinu, Aurel Stanica, dr. Steluta Parau, Mihaela Iacob

During XVI-XVII-th centuries through Danubians ports Tulcea, Chilia, Bestepe, as well as through Black Sea ports there were sent to Istambul significant quantities of grains, animals (cows, sheeps), food (cheese, honey, wine) fish, vegetables, fruits and raw materials. Also through these commercial points passed woven materials, clothes, shoes, carpets. Silk, Russian furs. A rich Delta, with commercial centers was a valuable source for Istanbul and for expeditionary ottoman armies which passed through Dobrudja.

The fishers of caviar were famous from Greece to Poland , Russia and Denmark . The local Romanians were not only agricultors and fishers but also cattle breeders.

During the XVII century, Dobrudja became the theatre of operation for a longer conflict between Russians and Turks, known as the "oriental crisis". Following this, both Austria and Russia win the freedom to navigate the Danube, Black sea and the city ports of the Danube 's Mouth. Because of that, the Delta's area gained a significant importance.