From Mulberry Orchards to Silk: Silk Production in Antakya (1737-1773)

Authors : Doğan Gün
Pages : 314-328
Doi:10.38000/juhis.1645936
View : 241 | Download : 374
Publication Date : 2025-12-27
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Silk has made its mark on the rich history of Anatolia, economically and culturally influencing many periods, and evolving into a significant industry. The Ottoman state, with its strategic location and prosperous silk-producing centres, was at times a prominent player in the silk trade. There were also times when the Ottoman silk industry adopted production methods from other countries, which led to periods of intense output. However, due to political movements and other events that caused fluctuations in the industry during certain periods, from the 18th century onwards, local resources were utilized to reduce dependency on Iranian silk, leading to a significant shift in the silk trade. This transition towards favouring domestic production over Iranian silk was a significant milestone for the industry. This study will examine silk-related activities in the district of Antakya (Antioch), which had an important place among the domestic silk producers of the Ottoman state, and in relation to this, how mulberry orchards, which provide the food source of silkworms that are considered to be the first stage of the silk production chain, were registered as private property in the court records (şeriye sicilleri) of Antakya. This will also provide insights, within the context of Islamic law, into the perspectives of Islamic jurists through various cases brought before the courts. Antakya\\\'s silk industry will be explored through the court records of Antakya from the 18th century, as well as observations of travellers, and various research publications and reviews. In conclusion, the findings reveal that Antakya had a special place in Ottoman and European silk industries. The district carried on the silk tradition by playing vital roles in silk production, trade, and industry. Although the increase in the number of mulberry orchards in Antakya, due to the actions of ordinary citizens, brought about ownership disputes, it still serves as an indicator of the development of the local silk production.
Keywords : Osmanlı, Antakya, Dut, İpek, İpekçilik

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