MERCHANTS AND MARKETS: THE SAGA OF BENGAL TRADE IN THE OTTOMAN ECONOMIC NETWORK

This research investigates the trade connections between Bengal and the Ottoman Empire from the 16th to the 18th centuries. It examines how British companies, Armenian traders, and Turkish merchants utilized a range of inland and maritime routes to facilitate the flow of goods from Bengal to Ottoman territories. Initially, the British-Armenian traders, recognized for their extensive networks in Bengal, served as primary intermediaries. At the same time, Turkish merchants played a crucial role in transporting commodities such as silk, indigo, and textiles. Moreover, the study highlights the strategic significance of the Jeddah port in linking Bengal to Istanbul, thereby bolstering the Ottoman economy. Additionally, it highlights the profound economic impact on the Ottoman Empire, including the influx of luxury goods and the introduction of new trade practices, demonstrating how Bengal’s trade played a crucial role in shaping the Ottoman economic framework. This research analyzes historical records and secondary sources, providing a detailed account of the Bengal-Ottoman trade relationship within early modern global trade networks.