County of Develi (1839 - 1910)

The physical, administrative, social, demographic and economic conditions of the Develi County were investigated in this study.Records and documents in various classifications which are found at Prime Ministry Ottoman Archive, Legal Registries at National Library and Ankara City Annuals were benefited as the basic sources.In the first part of the study, which is composed of an introduction and three parts, information about the physical and administrative structure and the population of Develi County was given. Firstly, geographical situation and physical characteristics of Develi were explained, architectural structure and important architectural works were introduced briefly. The role of Develi in Ottoman Administrative Organization was determined; information about the county administration and administrative staff who fulfill this duty was given. It is aimed at determining the names of the staff of county administration as much as the information sources provide. At the end of chapter, the population of Develi after the population census in 1830 was determined; information about the population of districts and villages affiliated to Develi was given. Moreover, Yoruk-Turkman Clans who settled in Develi, housing policies in Administrative Reforms period and the developments related to the housing of immigrants were explained.In the second chapter, in which the social structure of Develi County was discussed, information about the ?Ottoman Nation System? was given. Implementations of nation system in a county were mentioned giving examples related to the relationships between Muslims and Non-Muslims in Develi. Another issue taken into account in this chapter is the family. Topics like engagement, marriage, divorce and their varieties, allowance, attorneyship, guardian appointment, adoption and the number of children in a family which are related to family institution were mentioned. At the end of the second chapter, educational activities in Develi were explained. Information about the Children School, Maturity Schools, Madrasahs and the courses taught in these schools was given. Besides these educational institutions, the activities of minorities and foreigners? schools were explained.In third and the final chapter, firstly, agriculture and livestock in Develi were discussed under the title of Develi County?s economical life; grown agricultural crops, livestock activities were explained. After that, it was mentioned that Develi is an important trade center illustrating with the activities of merchants and craftsmen working both in Develi and outside Develi. At the end of the chapter, required explanation was made about the currency, costs and taxes.Key Words1. Develi2. County Administration3. Tanzimât (Administrative Reforms)4. Legal Registries5. Trade