COST OF LIVING IN OTTOMAN EMPIRE DURING THE ARMISTICE PERIOD: A CASE OF ISTANBUL1

Abstract

At the time when the Montrose Armistice was concluded, the economic situation in Ottoman Empire(Turkey) was very serious. The food crop that had been produced was not enough to meet the needs of consumption. The First World War had a huge impact on this situation. There was a great loss of life because of the war and the number of people required for production was not sufficient. In this study, the question of the cost of living in Istanbul, and whether the reasons given and the precautionary measures taken were sufficient, is central. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate cost of living in Istanbul during the armistice period. The problems experienced during the armistice and the solutions to these problems will be evaluated from an economic point of view. This study used historical data and archival resources to explain people’s economic life and consumption siutation in Istanbul during armistice period. In order to prevent the loss of life, the Economy Struggle Commission, sample grocery stores and sales booths were established and economic solutions were found for cost of living increases. This study is limited by case of Istanbul and period from 1918 to 1922 in Ottoman Empire. This study provides useful information about living conditions and consumption situation of population in Ottoman empire during armistice period. In addition, archival resources are clarified for actual period

Keywords

• cost of living the armistice period, economic history, otoman empire