Alaşehi̇r from Tanzi̇mat to the Second Consti̇tuti̇onal era: 1839 - 1908

This study aims to reveal its history by doing research on administrative, social and economic conditions of town of Alaşehir between 1839 and 1908. This historic period comprises modernization and change in the Empire during the most painful and turbulent years of Ottoman Empire. The will to see reflections of modernization process in Alaşehir from Hatt-ı Şerif of Gülhane to 2nd Constitutional Monarchy has shaped the scope of this study. Alaşehir's privileged geographical position has given rise to significant human settlements since time immemorial. This study examines the factors influential in founding of the city, the importance of its geographical position and its historical background up to its control by Ottoman rule. Practices of administrative innovation movements in Alaşehir during the Tanzimat Era, corporate structure and functions of bodies such as Kaymakamlık (district governorate) and Town Administrative Council, Alaşehir Municipality and Municipal Council; changes in the administrative structure and status of the town until the end of Ottoman Empire has been explicated in the study. Based on 21 Temettüat Registers of the town center and Aydın Province Salnamas (yearbooks), agriculture and livestock, total amount and size of crop-fields, agricultural products, demographic structure, immigration movements, tribes, professions and factors such as trade and industry which form its economic structure is tried to be presented. Undoubtedly, railway lines affect socio-economic and demographic structures of areas where they are built. The effects of Railway built in Alaşehir in 1875 and Afyon in 1897 have also been reflected in the study. Besides, law, education, religious structure and waqf monuments of the town between 1839 and 1908; natural disasters, banditry activities during this period are also parts of this study. Key words: Alaşehir, Administrative reforms (Tanzimat), Constitutional Monarchy, Railway, Banditry