Some Observations on Cholera Epidemics in Izmir (1831-1916)

Abstract

Although their names and periods of emergence are different, epidemics have played an important role in human deaths throughout history. The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to epidemics is undoubtedly the plague. The reason for this situation is the devastation caused by the plague during its reign in Europe. Plague ceased to be a problem for Western Europe as of the end of the 17th century. Cholera, which was to replace it in the following period, was a local disease of the Indian geography until 1817. After this date, cholera, which spread outside India, caused major pandemics in the 19th century and caused many people to lose their lives. The Ottoman Empire, located on important trade routes, and Izmir, its trade gateway to Anatolia, faced many cholera epidemics in the 19th century. The first cholera epidemic in Izmir occurred in 1831 and caused many casualties. The observations of European doctors about this epidemic are remarkable. The second cholera outbreak in Izmir occurred in 1848 and caused great panic. This panic caused approximately 50000 people to leave the city. Cholera, which infected Izmir due to the Crimean War, caused a new wave of epidemics between 1852 and 1859. However, the epidemic in this period remained limited. Cholera, whose existence was officially declared on 6 July 1865, caused casualties among all residents of the city, especially Jews. Mehmet Raşit Pasha, the Governor of İzmir at the time, provided successful services during this epidemic. Between 1892-1895, there was almost no Ottoman city untouched by cholera. In the summer of 1893, cholera visited Izmir once again. Chief Inspector of Sanitation Bonkowski Pasha was sent to Izmir to make investigations and take the necessary measures. His findings and studies were effective in preventing the epidemic. During the cholera outbreaks in İzmir, some exemplary acts of charity and humanity were also observed. However, it should be noted that cholera epidemics damaged the demographic structure of the city as well as its economy. In this study, it is aimed to provide information about the main cholera epidemics in Izmir. In addition, some issues that attracted our attention during the epidemics are also included. In our study, Ottoman archive documents and research works related to our subject were used as sources.