TIGHINA

also spelled Tigina, formerly called Bendery, Moldavian Bender city, Moldova. Tighina lies along the right bank of the Dniester River below its confluence with the Bc (Byk). A settlement has existed on the site since the 2nd century BC. It came successively under the rule of Kiev, Moldavia, Genoa, Turkey, and, in 1818, after frequent attacks, Russia. Between World Wars I and II it was in Romania. Today Tighina manufactures textiles, foodstuffs, cables, and electrical equipment. A Turkish fortress dating from the 16th century still stands within the city. Pop. (1991 est.) 141,500.