Ottoman period trade on the basis of traditional ottoman bazaars found in Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep

Inns, caravanserais, covered markets (bedestens) and bazaars buildings are among the historical commercial buildingof the Ottomans. Although the Ottomans did not attach much importance to trade in the early periods, Sultan II. This situation changed after Bayezid captured Antalya and Alanya, which were important ports for trade in the Mediterranean Region, and the Ottomans began to show a presence in the commercial field. By the 16th century, as it was established on trade routes and captured important points, its superiority in trade increased noticeably. Inns and caravanserais were built at the range points so that the merchants coming to the city could meet their needs, store their goods safely and rest, and so that the animals could rest. When caravanserais were first built, they were used for wars, but over time they also began to be used for trade. The first actions of the Ottoman rulers in the regions they conquered were to build mosques and establish Guild Organizations, which are the basis of the tradesmen-ahi (Ahi communities) organizations, to settle their people and spread their own culture and religion. This situation is known as the tolerance policy of the Ottomans and can be shown as the reason for their trouble-free coexistence with people of different religions. In this thesis study, examples of Diyarbakır Jeweler's Bazaar, Gaziantep Coppersmith's Bazaar, Şanlıurfa Coppersmith's Bazaar and Şanlıurfa Shoemaker's Bazaar, located in the cities of Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep, were examined. The aim of the study is to present the architectural features of these bazaars and to convey the trade understanding of the Ottoman Empire through these examples.