Beirut Water Company

Eastern Mediterranean port cities located within the borders of the Ottoman Empire, the golden age of capitalism in the 19. It attracted the attention of Western entrepreneurs in the century. However, the Eastern Mediterranean port cities did not have the infrastructure suitable for the conditions of the period. Therefore, traditional city services in the Ottoman Empire, 19. It would change under the influence of Europe in the 21st century. Public services of Beirut, one of the Eastern Mediterranean port cities of the Ottoman Empire, could not be fulfilled during this period. Beirut's rapid growth in quality and quantity was threatening public health. In Beirut, where there was an epidemic danger, the water need had to be met urgently. The Ottoman administration needed foreign investors due to the lack of sufficient capital and technical knowledge. A concession was granted on 3 August 1870 to quickly resolve the water problem through the company. With this concession, the foundations of the Beirut Water Company were laid. In this study, the process from the establishment of the Beirut Water Company to the official end of the Ottoman Empire is discussed in the context of foreign capital. The company tries to find out how its water needs are met, what applications are made and the results. The effects of Britain and France, which are in the race for influence in Beirut, on the water company are evaluated. Addressing the development of the Beirut Water Company established through foreign investment constitutes the main motivation of this study.