Bağlar ve Yolculuklar: Palaiologoslar Döneminde Doğu Akdeniz'i Birleştirmek

Abstract

This article explores the establishment of economic unity in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Palaiologan Period, focusing particularly on the role of wine trade. It investigates how various regions were interconnected through sea routes and trading networks, contributing to a cohesive economic system. The study emphasizes the significance of wine production as a cash crop, involving landlords, peasants, and merchants. Wine, produced in different grades, played a pivotal role in daily consumption as well as in religious and social ceremonies, catering to diverse societal strata. Additionally, this study demonstrates the economic intricacies of Cretan Malmsey trade, revealing its paramount importance as a sought-after commodity across the Mediterranean. By analyzing historical sources and scholarly research, this study sheds light on the complex dynamics of wine commerce, highlighting its role in facilitating cross-regional trade and cultural exchange. The findings suggest that despite political fragmentation, the Eastern Mediterranean formed an integrated economic entity during the Palaiologan Period, facilitated by extensive trading networks and the prominence of wine trade. Through its comprehensive analysis, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the economic landscape of the era and its enduring impact on Mediterranean history.