Abstract:

Abstract enChanges in bureaucracy and the state administration which took place along with the proclamation of the Imperial Edict of Reorganization (Tanzimat), has affected social fabric and economic activities of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the 19th century. These changes are easier to observe at the Ottoman port cities. In particular, factors such as improvements in legal infrastructure, changes in port administration, facilities of the roads which connect the city of the hinterland, the construction of telegraph lines and the establishment of steamship companies have had an impact on both development and enhancing the trade and social mobility. Dealing with the port cities of the Southern Black Sea on the verge of the 20th century this paper aims to discuss administrative, economic and social changes in cities such as Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun and Trabzon. In this context, archival materials, maps and yearbooks of Trabzon and Kastamonu provinces, will constitute the main sources of the study

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