Abstract:

This article summarizes the history of activities at the iron and machinery factory, which was established at the Yalı Kiosk grounds in Istanbul as a part of the efforts to develop heavy industry within the Ottoman Empire. First, the timing and choice of location of the plant at the waterfront (Turk. yalı), and the economic circumstances of the period are reviewed. The Crimean War constituted a critical period when the factory was assigned to the British and transformed into a foundry and mechanics facility catering for the maintenance and repair of the vessels belonging to Allies. Following the war the works were sold to the Ottomans, who after 1860, started to produce machines and equipment for the steam vessels of the Ottoman navy. In 1871, the land of the factory was transferred to the Roumeli Railway Company for the building of a railway station. Finally, the article examines the closing down of the factory at Yalı Kiosk, and its relocation to the Arsenal at the Golden Horn where a new machine factory and foundry were established

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