a circle in the Russian province of Bessarabia, extending along the banks of the Black Sea, where the Dnieper forms an estuary. It is nearly destitute of population, except the capital, of the same name, which is built on a tongue of land projecting into the estuary. It is the ancient Roman colony of Alba Julia. It is surrounded with strong walls and ditches, contains a castle, two public baths, five churches, several mosques, and a synagogue for Jews. The population, of various nations, religions, and languages, amounts to about 25,000. Its situation renders it a place of considerable trade. It is in Long. 30° 24' 15" E. and Lat. 46° 11' 45" N. Here the treaty with Turkey was concluded in 1826.