Abstract:

Although the Princes’ Islands were relatively quiet island villages until the 19th century, they have become the most popular summer resorts of Istanbul with the ease of transportation since the middle of the 19th century. Even though Heybeliada is the second largest member of this archipelago, it has attracted particular attention due to the important educational institutions on it. This island has never been inferior to Büyükada in terms of population, and the same can be said about its economy. This article examines the social and economic structure of Heybeliada in the first half of the 19th century based on the population register dated 1836-1840 CE/1252-1255 AH and the temettuat register dated 1845 CE/1261 AH. In addition to these two sources, the study also benefits from the provisions related to Heybeliada in the 6th Sharia Registry of the Princes’ Islands dated 1835-1846 CE/1251-1262 AH as well as State Archives. The study first examines within its scope the population structure of Heybeliada. Then it transitions to the economic life on the island, in which it examines the current occupational groups and their earnings in addition to the agricultural life and determines the types of real estate, usage situations, and incomes. Lastly, the study discusses taxes and attempts to reveal a portrait of the island during the examined period based on all the above.

Keywords: