Trabzon in the Period of Tanzimat

The purpose of this study is to examine the social, administrative and economic situation of Trabzon in Tanzimat Period (1839-1876) and determine the effects of the Tanzimat reforms and other domestic and external dynamics on the city in this period. Although the scope of this study is based on Tanzimat Period, considering the continuity of change in the city, we sometimes passed these limits. Archival materials are used as main sources in this study. As the study is based on the French, British and Ottoman archival sources, they are used in comparative and integrative methods. But it is useful to emphasize that French and British archival sources were especially important about economic structure of the city.The study is prepared in four main sections to examine a broader context of Trabzon in Tanzimat Period. The first chapter deals with the settlement pattern, demographic changes crated by local conditions in the 19th century, and the most evident sources of these demographic changes in the city. The second chapter focuses on the transformation process of administrative structure from the period of local notables (ayân) to the strict control of central government, and the administrative organisation which were created by the new system. The third chapter also focuses on the economic structure of Trabzon as the most important impulsive force on the transformation of the city, especially trade pattern which formed the backbone of the economic structure, the situation of traditional manufacturing activities in the period of change and the picture of agricultural production as the basic element of regional economy. The last chapter analyses the urbanization process in the context of Tanzimat reforms in the 19th century in the Ottoman cities and try to create a comparative perspective between Tanzimat city and 19th century Trabzon. The study which was realized in four chapters shows that not only the regulations of the central government in provinces but local conditions which were shaped by different factors created a Tanzimat city in Trabzon.