Surozhites
Surozhites
(in Russian, sorozhane). (1) Wealthy foreign merchants in Moscow during the 14th and 15th centuries who conducted trade with Byzantium, with Italian cities, and later with Turkey through the port of Surozh (now Sudak) in the Crimea. First mentioned in 1356, the Surozhites were apparently united in an association.
(2) During the 16th century, wealthy Novgorodian merchants who had moved from Moscow during the late 15th century and who formed a highly privileged merchants’ association. After Ivan IV subjugated Novgorod, the privileges of the Surozhites were abolished and they were resettled in Moscow.