Economic networks in the eastern Mediterranean: Kâtiboğlu Mehmed Efendi of Izmir and his Christian partner

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the economic environment of Izmir at the beginning of the nineteenth century through the interreligious entrepreneurial networks that brought together Muslim notables, reaya merchants and European consuls. It focuses on the Kâtiboğlu Mehmed Efendi, a notable (ayan) and voyvoda of Izmir as well as a member of a well-known Muslim family of the region, who was executed in 1816 and his property confiscated by the state. Through the analysis of Kâtiboğlu’s business cooperation with a Christian entrepreneur of Izmir, the paper aims to reveal the ayan’s commercial network, the nature of his cooperation with the Christian merchant, and his stance towards the western community of Izmir. Also, the paper explores the background and economic activity of his Christian partner. In a more general framework, the paper brings to the fore the economic activity of the Muslim notables as well as aspects of the contemporary economic processes in Izmir and their political connotations.