Santa Ruins (Santa Harabeleri)

Santa Ruins (Santa Harabeleri)

The Santa Ruins in the village of Dumanli, located 80 kilometers from Gümüşhane center, is a historic site that spans three hillsides along the Santa Yanbolu river. It comprises nine neighborhoods that are protected as a historical landmark and has a rich historical texture, having been part of the Ottoman Empire for many years. This archaeological site is a popular attraction for tourists in the area.

Santa Ruins (Santa Harabeleri)

The region was home to many professional blacksmiths and silversmiths who were mainly employed in the nearby mines. This led to an influx of skilled workers, including Orthodox Christian (Greek) Ottoman citizens. The Ottoman Empire granted tax relief and other exemptions to miners, further contributing to the prosperity of the region. However, the mining industry began to decline in the 18th and 19th centuries, and social and administrative problems arose.

Santa was a mining settlement from the 1500s to the 1800s but was abandoned in 1923 as part of a population exchange agreement.