In this study gathering the marine zoophyte of sponge, as it's been classified in the 19th century, has been tried to be explained as a distinctive economic activity which has taken place within the borders of the Ottoman Empire during the same period. Findings given in the study mostly lean on the primary sources of information and the limited number of studies realized before. Based on these sources, not only the economic activity itself, but also the main factors which ought to have an effect on the gathering process are tried to be mentioned. Additionally, the distinctive characteristics of sponges which has been gathered from the mentioned sea basins described into the study. As an export item with its considerably high share in the total exports of Smyrna in the 19th century, these characteristics has a considerable effect on it's competitiveness in the international markets. Moreover, this economic activity has experienced several technical improvements in the second half of the 19th century. These technical improvements which have had an effect on the sponge gathering process are also mentioned. Finally, the main variables which have considerably changed the trends of sponge exports in Smyrna trade, one of the most important ports of Ottoman Empire in the second half of the 19th century, are also given in the study.
Key words: Sponge, Sponge gathering, Sponge Trade, 19th Century Ottoman Empire Foreign Trade, 19th Century Smyrna Port. JEL Classification: N55, N75, N85, N95. Article Language: EnglishTurkish
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