Socio - economic structure of Elmalı township which depends on Teke Sanjak, 1839 - 1914

Due to its location on the coast-upland route, socioeconomic, cultural and strategic structures, Elmalı was one the most important counties of Teke Sanjak and had maintained its importance throughout the 19th century. Among the counties in the west of Teke Sanjak Elmalı, in which commercial and social activities were frequently seen, attracted attention with its developed structure compared to the other counties, thus it took the role of central county. Due to the mountainous and rocky structure of Teke Sanjak, all the roads around intersected at Elmalı, which made the county a junction point. Agricultural and commercial products from interior regions were transported to Finike through caravans and shipped from the Port of Finike, which was administratively bound to Elmalı. Various kinds of grain, particularly wheat, cultivated at fertile plains of the county, forest products and leather processed and marketed at Elmalı were the leading goods exported to the islands around and overseas. Muslims and non-Muslim shared a common life, and the county had maintained its cosmopolitan structure until the time of population exchange during which non-Muslim community left the county. Elmalı is understood to have been one of the most significant administrative units. Therefore, various subjects about Elmalı such as population, cosmopolitan structure, education, religious and social structures, family life, public order,health care service and economic activities are tried to be revealed through the official Ottoman documents. In addition, neighborhoods, towns and sub-districts in the 19th century are determined and a map that shows the administrative borders of the county is drawn.