The Beirut Vilayet
An academic exploration of a pivotal administrative division in the late Ottoman Empire.
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Overview
Establishment and Significance
The Vilayet of Beirut (Ottoman Turkish: Vilรขyet-i Beyrut; Arabic: ููุงูุฉ ุจูุฑูุช) was a first-level administrative division (vilayet) of the Ottoman Empire. It was established in 1888, carved out from the coastal regions of the former Syria Vilayet. This administrative restructuring recognized the burgeoning importance and economic vitality of its capital, Beirut, which had experienced remarkable growth in the preceding years. By 1907, Beirut had become a crucial hub, handling approximately 11 percent of the Ottoman Empire's entire international trade.[2]
Geographical Extent
The vilayet's territory stretched along the Mediterranean coast, encompassing the region from just north of the port city of Jaffa in the south to Latakia in the north.[3] It was strategically bordered by the Syria Vilayet to the east, the Aleppo Vilayet to the north, the autonomous Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west.
Demographics and Population
In the late 19th century, the Beirut Vilayet was a densely populated region. Preliminary results from the first Ottoman census, conducted in 1885, indicated a population of approximately 533,500 individuals.[1] This made it the fourth most heavily populated province within the Ottoman Empire's administrative structure at the time. The reported area for the vilayet in 1885 was approximately 30,490 square kilometers (11,770 square miles).[1]
Administrative Divisions
Sanjaks of Beirut
The Vilayet of Beirut was further subdivided into several administrative districts known as Sanjaks. These Sanjaks represented the primary administrative units responsible for governance within their respective territories. The principal Sanjaks comprising the Beirut Vilayet were:
- Latakia Sanjak
- Tripoli Sanjak
- Beirut Sanjak
- Acre Sanjak
- Nablus Sanjak
These divisions formed the hierarchical structure through which the Ottoman administration managed the region's diverse populations and territories.
Historical Context
Timeline of Existence
The Vilayet of Beirut was formally established in 1888, marking a significant administrative reorganization within the Ottoman Empire. It continued to function as a distinct province until its disestablishment in 1917, a period coinciding with the latter stages of World War I and the subsequent occupation of the region.
Modern Geographical Context
Contemporary Affiliations
The historical territory that constituted the Vilayet of Beirut today spans across several modern nation-states. Its former administrative boundaries encompass regions that are now part of:
- Lebanon
- Israel
- Palestine
- Syria
This geographical distribution highlights the complex historical evolution of the region and the shifting political landscapes of the Middle East.
Historical Maps
Visualizing the Vilayet
Historical cartography provides invaluable insights into the administrative structure and geographical scope of the Beirut Vilayet. Several maps illustrate its position within the broader Ottoman Empire and the Levant region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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References
References
- Beyrut Vilayeti ve Cebel-i Lรยผbnan Mutasarrรยฑflรยฑรยรยฑ | Tarih ve Medeniyet
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not represent the most current or complete information available.
This is not professional historical or geopolitical advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for expert consultation, archival research, or scholarly analysis. Users should consult with qualified historians, political scientists, or regional experts for in-depth understanding and verification. Reliance on the information presented here is at the user's own risk.
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