1. Places of Origin and Reception of Immigrants

The first references to regular migration from Cappadocia to the region of the Pontus come from the early 17^th century.¹ In the mid-18^th century, there were Turkish-speaking populations from Cappadocia settled in Bafra and making offerings to the monastery of Zincidere.² The region of the Pontus evolved, as it seems, into a key centre of attraction for the Cappadocian immigrants in the 19^th century. When Samsun (Amisos) became an important commercial centre, it attracted a great part of the immigrants, several of whom settled in other cities of the region as well, such as Bafra and Sinop. Although the Pontus was by no means the main place of reception for the immigrants coming from the Cappadocian settlements, in the 19^th century it had an increased specific weight. It is worth mentioning that a percentage of 30.1% of the immigrants from Androniki (Endürlük) directed to Pontus, according to the records of 1834-1835. The respective percentage for Smyrna amounted to 26.8%, while 23.3% of the immigrants directed to Constantinople, the traditional destination of the Cappadocians.³

2. Activities of Immigrants

The immigrants were often involved in tobacco and cereal trade. In particular, in Samsun, apart from the big tobacco merchants, who traded the particular product, there were also some merchants involved in tobacco trade along with other activities. The latter took advantage of the opportunities resulting from the fluctuation of prices. There are also references to shop owners, as well as some tradesmen and craftsmen. Finally, there were Cappadocians working as doctors and lawyers.