The social and economical structure of Aintab (Gaziantep) during the Tanzimat Period (1839-1876)

Aintab, which is located on the historical silkroad has always been a remarkable city throughout history. The city which fell under the domination of the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century retained its importance after this century and turned into a classical Ottoman city. There are several studies focusing on the economic and social structure of the city between the 16th and 19th centuries. As for the 19th century, there are two studies; one of them is on political history and the other is related to the social structure between the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. As no studies were conducted on Aintab's economic and social structure or on the reflections of changes on the city in the Tanzimat Period in which the Ottoman Empire went through fundamental reforms, the current PhD. Thesis titled "The Social and Economic Structure of Aintab in the Tanzimat Period (1839-1876) aims to fill the gap in the literature. The current study consists of three main chapters. In the first chapter, the historical and urban texture of the city was evaluated. In this respect, after giving some general information about the city; towns, villages and quarters which were reformed by the end of the Tanzimat Period were identified. Afterwards; social, religious and commercial locations were determined. In the second chapter, the social structure of the city was scrutinized. The chapter begins with the evaluation of the family structure as the nucleus of society. Afterwards; population, religious and denominational conversions, educational institutions and their status, developments in health and officially documented crimes were depicted respectively. In the third and final chapter, the economic structure was examined. In this context, economic areas and active groups in these places were identified and evaluated. Then, price changes in the period were revealed by examining the status of the money and pricings. Finally, debt and credit relationships and property sales were handled. Consequently, in this PhD. Thesis, information on the topics about the general structure of the Ottoman Empire was given as much as possible and the reforms in the Tanzimat Period and how they reflected on the city was explained. Keywords: Aintab, urban history, social history, economic history, Tanzimat Period