Some Numeric Data on Crime and Criminals in Istanbul (1876-1880)

Abstract

The Imperial Edict of Gülhane in 1839 marked a new era in the history of Ottoman modernization. As in almost all fields, reform movements heavily influenced by European ideas showed their effects in the field of law. While new criminal laws were being enacted with a Western approach, the Nizamiye [guardhouse] courts were being established that would carry out trials based on these laws. This article addresses the crimes that were committed between 1876-1880 in the Ottoman capital of Istanbul as based on the Dersaadet, Beyoğlu, and Üsküdar Nizamiye court records. For this purpose, the article analyzes statistical information regarding crimes such as homicide, larceny, extortion, bodily harm, rape, and forgery that were committed in Istanbul during the specified period as well as the individuals who committed these crimes.

Keywords

• history
• ottoman empire
• istanbul
• crime
• conviction