Abstract:

Epidemics were transported to Istanbul and Izmir by ships and caravans. Ottoman administrators tried to prevent the spread of epidemics by applying the cordon method, opening preventive houses and applying quarantine methods. During the epidemics, the Ottoman Empire's relations with the West decreased considerably. During the epidemic, there were disruptions in Turkish-American diplomatic relations, especially in mutual trade. For example, the USA has occasionally banned the shipment of dried figs from Izmir. During the period of the diseases, trade was very sensitive. The American consuls of the period in Istanbul and Izmir also kept in touch with Washington and followed the epidemics in their regions. Various studies have been carried out on this subject so far, but no evaluation has been made in line with American consulate reports. In this study, 19. end of century 20. epidemic diseases in Istanbul and Izmir at the beginning of the 19th century and their effects on Turkish-American trade relations were discussed as reflected in the American consulate reports. These events at the local level in Istanbul and Izmir give us an idea to draw a general picture of the commercial difficulties experienced in the face of epidemics.

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