Smuggling activities in Eastern Mediterranean ports in the second half of the 19th century (Antalya, Alanya, Beirut, Mount Lebanon)

While examining the smuggling activities that took place in the Eastern Mediterranean ports in the second half of the 19th century, especially the smuggling activities in Antalya, Alanya, Beirut ports and the shores of Mount Lebanon, the connection of these ports and coasts with other ports was discussed together. As a matter of fact, the smuggler ships used in the distribution and transportation of illegal products have used different departure and return routes. The products that are illegally traded in these ports vary. The difference in the routes followed by ships or boats carrying smuggled products can also be seen in smuggled products. For example: smuggling of lumber, tobacco, weapons and explosives, as well as alcohol, silk and poppy. In addition, many smuggling activities such as illegal passenger transportation took place. In fact, many factors are effective in the occurrence of each illegal activity. For example; There is information that the illegal tobacco trade has increased after the establishment of the Regie Administration. As in the case of tobacco, factors that lay the groundwork for illegal trade of other products differ. For this purpose, each product will be examined under separate subtitles. During the period under review, the control of many products such as tobacco, timber, salt is under the monopoly of the state and different tax rates were applied from time to time. After the Tanzimat period, regulatory practices were initiated in domestic and foreign customs. As in every field, control was tried to be ensured in the Ottoman trade centers. This inspection was carried out by both the Customs Administration and the Regie Administration. In order to prevent smuggling activities that interrupted Ottoman commercial life, a bill, license, certificate, etc. procedures have been developed. For example; In order to prevent timber smuggling, merchants were licensed for cutting and distributing timber. The agriculture, transportation and sales of various products have been tried to be controlled by regulations. The practices of the General Directorate and Regime Administration for the prevention of smuggling are also noteworthy. Due to the political and social interaction of the Ottoman Empire with European states in the 19th century, Eastern Mediterranean ports were integrated with international trade networks. Smuggling activities that sabotaged the Ottoman commercial order increased in the Eastern Mediterranean, which became a political and social threat. The study prepared in the light of Ottoman Archive documents and smuggling activities, XIX. The negative effects on the economic structure of the Ottoman Empire in the second half of the century were evaluated. Therefore, smuggling activities are discussed in all aspects in the context of cause and effect relationship. For this reason, the study; It is hoped that it will contribute to the history of smuggling in Antalya, Alanya, Beirut ports and Mount Lebanon coasts. Keywords: Ottoman Empire, Smuggling, Trade, Mediterranean, Ports