Continuity and change on the Bosphorus shore: Arnavutköy before and after the Greek revolution of 1821

Abstract

This study examines some crucial phases of transformation in Arnavutköy (Mega Revma), in terms of its social topography and landscape. It especially centers on the Greek Revolution of 1821, as the first serious disruption that affected the Greek Orthodox population of the village. Comparing sources related to the periods preceding and following 1821, my aim in this study was to show how and why the turbulent times of the Greek Revolution shaped population and settlement patterns of Arnavutköy. With the help of a variety of sources ranging from the Bostancıbaşı registers, population registers, official chronicles, travel and geographical narratives, and various other documents from the Ottoman state archives, I have tried to reflect on Ottoman responses to the Revolution (which were by no means constant) and how Ottoman policies and actions affected the social and physical space of Arnavutköy in the short and the long run. My sources also enabled me to make comparisons between other Bosphorus villages with dominant Greek Orthodox populations and see how and why the case of Arnavutköy is unique.