Urban life in Mosul according to the sâlnâmes (1308-1330/1891-1912)

This study analyzes urban life in Mosul Province during the late Ottoman period from a comprehensive perspective. The main sources are five Mosul Province Yearbooks (Sâlnâmes) published between 1308-1330/1891-1912, which provide detailed data on the province's administrative, social, cultural, economic, and health structures. The introduction addresses Mosul's place in Ottoman geography and its geopolitical and strategic importance, followed by an examination of the province's administrative organization, institutions at the sanjak and kaza levels, and center–periphery relations within the framework of Ottoman centralization policies. The local reflections of these policies are analyzed in depth. In education, the study evaluates the rise of modern schools, the increase in enrollment, and the establishment of institutions. It emphasizes the role of Ottoman educational policies in social transformation, considering aspects such as the language of instruction, school types, and curricula. Regarding health services, the province's general health conditions, common diseases and treatments, epidemic control strategies, and hygiene practices are examined, along with the institutions existing at the time. Economically, the role of agriculture and livestock in Mosul's economy and their impact on livelihoods are assessed, in addition to craftsmanship, trade, and transportation. In terms of social and cultural life, the daily practices of Mosul's inhabitants, religious and cultural structures, traditions, and social relations are analyzed. The press is also discussed, focusing on the emergence of local newspapers, their content, distribution, and influence. In sum, the research demonstrates how late Ottoman provincial policies were implemented in Mosul and examines transformations in urbanization, education, health, economy, and cultural life. It contributes to understanding both Mosul Province in particular and the Ottoman provinces in general, highlighting the significance of the Mosul Province Sâlnâmes as essential sources for comprehending the period's administrative and social structures.