Özet:

Oil has been used since the earliest periods of history. Together with the development of science and technic, oil has led to the invention of motor which operates with ignition. On the other hand, the use of oil as a source of energy dates back to the 20th century. Oil had become popular in the Ottoman Empire as from the 17th century. It had become more and more important in the course of time as it was used in basic needs such as illumination and heating. The use of oil increased especially during the period of First World War. The increasing oil need had caused the American oil company, Standard Oil to surround the Ottoman territories with oil storages.This study will examine the expansion struggle of Standard Oil in the Ottoman territories, how the company tried to increase its dominance over the Ottoman Empire especially under the conditions of First World War and the view of Babıali on this issue.

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