The victims of the last great Bubonic plague epidemic in Ottoman Anatolia: dynamics of mortality by age and gender during the plague epidemic of Kastamonu (1836–1839)

OpenAlex İngilizce

This study examines the bubonic plague epidemic that struck Kastamonu, a province in Northern Anatolia, between 1836 and 1839, offering a distinctive and thorough contribution to historical research on the plague within the framework of Ottoman studies. By employing rare daily death records, known as jurnal defteri, this research undertakes a quantitative analysis of mortality patterns during the epidemic—an approach rarely applied in Ottoman historical studies. The study investigates demographic details, analyzing the victims’ age and gender to uncover significant patterns, such as the particularly severe impact on younger age groups. Additionally, it compares mortality rates during the epidemic to those from non-plague-related deaths, providing a broader perspective on mortality dynamics and the overall demographic toll. This research bridges a critical gap in Ottoman plague studies by integrating statistical methodologies with demographic analysis. This approach helps to understand how such epidemics affected populations at a granular level. By focusing on an understudied region and time period, this study contributes novel insights into the social and demographic results of the plague in the Ottoman Empire. The findings underscore the epidemic’s profound impact on local communities, contributing to broader discussions on public health and mortality in historical contexts of Ottoman Empire..