SILISTRIA, a town of European Turkey, Bulgaria, capital of an eyalet of the same name, one of the strongest fortified places on the Danube, stands in the angle formed between that river and its confluent the Dristra, 66 miles N. by E. of Shumla. It is semicircular in form, and for the most part meanly built, consisting of narrow, crooked, and dirty streets, lined with low and gloomy houses. The public buildings are—numerous mosques, a large Greek church and convent, public baths, barracks, a custom-house, and bonded warehouses. The inhabitants are principally employed in weaving, tanning, and gardening. Some trade is carried on in cattle, wool, and timber. The fortifications are strong and solid; and the place is defended by several admirably constructed detached forts. Silistria was taken by the Russians in 1829, after a siege of nine months, and it remained in their hands for some time, but was afterwards restored to Turkey. Again, in 1854, the town was attacked by the Russians; but the Turkish garrison, aided and directed by two British officers, made such a brave defence, that the assailants were obliged to raise the siege. Pop. 23,000. (See RUSSIA, § History.)