Historical Economic Geography: Patterns of Occupational Specialization in the Rural Area of Uskudar District During the 19th Century

Abstract

This study examines, from a historical economic geography perspective that analyzes in detail how economic activities and processes develop in specific places and how this development transforms population centers, the patterns of occupational specialization in the villages of Kanlıca and İncir, which were part of the Üsküdar district in the first half of the 19th century, based on census register data. The sectoral differences in occupational distribution between the two villages have led to questioning the impact of location on patterns of occupational specialization, and the main research question of the study has been determined as: “What is the impact of location on patterns of occupational specialization?” The selection of Kanlıca and İncir villages was influenced by the fact that, despite their geographical proximity, they exhibit different patterns in terms of occupation and economy. Kanlıca village’s closer proximity to the Üsküdar district center and Suriçi (Istanbul), and thus to commercial and economic activities, provided it with an advantage, while İncir village, due to its more isolated location, focused on primary economic activities. In Kanlıca village, sea-related professions became predominant. These professions contributed to diversifying the village’s economic structure and strengthening its commercial relations. 67% of the population work in the tertiary sector. Kanlıca’s effective position within the transportation network, especially in maritime transportation, facilitated the concentration of economic activities. In İncir village, on the other hand, agricultural activities came to the forefront, and 73% of the population is engaged in the primary sector. The village’s relatively isolated location and its distance from the European side have led to limited economic diversity. İncir village has maintained its traditional economic structure, sustaining a life based on agriculture. This situation has caused the village’s economic activities to be shaped in a more traditional manner. In pre-industrial societies and in the Ottoman Empire, which was an agrarian state, villages are defined as areas where primary economic activities are prominent. İncir village emerged as a village where the primary sector constitutes the dominant economic activity, in line with the general belief. However, in Kanlıca, the tertiary sector is more dominant than the primary sector. Considering the significant economic differences between the two neighboring villages of Kanlıca and İncir, it becomes evident that situations not conforming to the general paradigm can occur even in rural areas within the Ottoman Empire. This indicates that we need to rethink the pre-industrial village in temporal and spatial terms.