ISMAIL, a town of Bessarabia, Rumania, capital of the De partment of Ismail, situated on the left bank of the Chilia branch of the Danube. Pop. (1930) 26,123, including, besides Rumanians, Russians, Ukrainians, Bulgars, Turks, Jews and Gypsies. There are flour mills and a trade in cereals, woods, tallow and hides. As a
Turkish fort and capital of a Samjak, Ismail long enjoyed peace and prosperity. It was occupied by Russia in 177o, 1790 and 1812; transferred to Rumania in 1856, to Russia in 1878, and to Rumania in 1918.