Non-muslims in İstanbul in the reigns of Mahmud II and Abdülmecid according to the western travellers

Istanbul is the city that the Western travellers want to see and visit the most. This city is a centre linking important seaways and highways between the Mediterranean and Black Sea. It has also a historical significance for Non-Muslims and throughout history many western travellers visited to Istanbul in the reigns of Mahmud II and Abdülmecid. These travellers recorded their admirations for Istanbul in the letters, memories and diaries. This study contains various information about the social, cultural and economical activities of Non-Muslims living in Istanbul in the reigns of Mahmud II and Abdülmecid. This study consists of three parts. The first part examines information about Non-Muslims living in the Ottoman Empire until the early of 19th century. In the second part is evaluated the social and cultural life of Non-Muslims living in Istanbul in the reigns of Mahmud II and Abdülmecid according to the Western travellers. In the third part is focused the economical status of Non-Muslims living in Istanbul in the reigns of Mahmud II and Abdülmecid according to the Western travellers. Key Words: Istanbul, Non-Muslims, the Western Travellers, Social and Cultural Life, Economical Status.