History of American Chamber of Commerce for The Levant (1911-1914)

Öz

The relationship between the United States and the Ottoman Empire began on May 7, 1830, with the signing of a commercial agreement between the two states. This agreement was followed by subsequent treaties over the years, and the amicable relationship between the two nations encouraged American merchants to engage with the Ottoman Empire. However, despite these agreements, trade did not reach the anticipated levels. Several factors contributed to this stagnation, including the geographic distance of the Ottoman Empire, the absence of a direct steam ferry line, and deficiencies in the banking system. Additionally, U.S. policies played a significant role in this limited trade activity. The adoption of the ‘Open Door Policy’ in 1899 marked a turning point, as it prompted the U.S. to become more active in many regions, including the Levant. As part of this new approach, the U.S. upgraded its mission in Istanbul to an embassy in 1906. Subsequently, in 1911, it established the ‘American Chamber of Commerce for the Levant’ to promote trade in the region. This article examines the establishment of the chamber- an institution that played a pivotal role in the global expansion of American commerce-in the Ottoman Empire and its efforts to foster trade between the two nations.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• American Chamber of Commerce for the Levant
• American Embassy
• Ottoman Empire
• Türkiye
• Trade

Destekleyen Kurum

TUBITAK

Proje Numarası

Tübitak 122C046

Teşekkür

This article was produced from Project Number 122C046 supported by TUBITAK.

Levant Amerikan Ticaret Odası Tarihi (1911-1914)

Öz

Amerika Birleşik Devletleri ile Osmanlı İmparatorluğu arasındaki ilişki, 7 Mayıs 1830’da iki devlet arasında imzalanan ticaret anlaşmasıyla başlamıştır. Bu anlaşmayı yıllar içinde başka anlaşmalar da takip etmiş ve iki devlet arasındaki dostluk ilişkisi Amerikalı tüccarları Osmanlı İmparatorluğu'na gelmeye teşvik etmiştir. Ancak iki ülke arasındaki anlaşmaya rağmen ticaret beklenen düzeyde olmamıştır. Bunun Osmanlı’nın uzak bir kıta olması, direkt buharlı vapur hattının bulunmaması, bankacılık yetersizliği gibi pek çok nedeni vardı. Ancak bu durgunlukta ABD’nin ana politikalarının da etkisi mevcuttu. ABD'nin 1899'da benimsediği yeni tutumu ”Açık Kapı Politikası” ile Amerikan tarihi farklı bir yöne doğru yol almış, bu tarihten sonra Amerika Levant dâhil birçok kıta ve ülkede faaliyet göstermeye başlamıştır. Bu politikanın gereği olarak, ilk önce -1906 yılında- İstanbul'daki misyonunu büyükelçiliğe dönüştürmüş ardından -1911 yılında- Levant’ta ticareti geliştirmek amacıyla ”Levant Amerikan Ticaret Odası”nı kurmuştur. Makalede, Amerikan ticaretinin dünyaya yayılmasında önemli bir kurum olan odanın Osmanlı İmparatorluğu’ndaki kuruluş öyküsü ve iki ülke arasındaki ticareti geliştirme çabaları ele alınmıştır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Levant Amerikan Ticaret Odası
• Amerikan Büyükelçiliği
• Osmanlı İmparatorluğu
• Türkiye
• Ticaret

Destekleyen Kurum

TÜBİTAK

Proje Numarası

Tübitak 122C046

Teşekkür

Bu makale, TÜBİTAK tarafından desteklenen 122C046 numaralı projeden üretilmiştir.

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