The Role of Armenians in Eskişehir's Urbanisation in the 19th Century Ottoman Empire

Abstract

During the 19th century, the Armenian community played a significant role in the urbanization of Eskişehir within the Ottoman Empire. This article aims to explore the cultural, economic, and artistic impact of Armenians residing in Eskişehir on urbanization. This topic is crucial for studying the social and urban history of Ottoman cities, as Armenians have been an integral part of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. The Armenian quarter has made significant contributions to the identity of the city through its centres of education, entertainment, and worship, as well as its involvement in the meerschaum (lületaşı) trade. However, in the 21st century, the traces of the Armenian culture of the 19th century have disappeared from sight in the city. We research the concept of the Armenian quarter that existed in the past and use various sources to investigate the history of the city. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.