Abstract

Plague is one of the leading epidemic diseases affecting large masses in the history of humanity. The plague, which caused the death of millions of people, the evacuation of settlements and political, economic and cultural changes for centuries, also deeply affected the Ottoman Empire. As epidemics spread across the country, they scare and traumatize societies. As a matter of fact, the epidemic seen in a big city spreads in a short time both at the point of discourse and disease. This spread rate is slower when seen in the countryside. In addition to the efforts made by the state against the epidemic or the attempts of doctors to eliminate the disease, the diversity of the society's reactions increased and had effective consequences on behaviors. In this study, the epidemics that emerged in the Ottoman Empire between the 17th and 19th centuries were emphasized. First of all, the dates of occurrence of the disease are given in order to determine how often such a disaster occurs. The subject will be examined under sub-headings such as religion-based surrender, quarantine practices and reactions to this practice, funeral procedures and attitudes towards the state during epidemics. Within the framework of these titles, the effect of taun in Ottoman society and the reaction of the people to the epidemic will be measured. These issues will be investigated by referring to the memoirs and chronicles, especially the works of the travelers who were the living witnesses of the period. Thus, it is aimed to reveal the reactions and behaviors given in the past periods in the epidemics, which are also considered as major disasters. Finally, it is thought that this study will provide historical and sociological data for the academic community investigating the reactions shown in similar epidemic disasters that have been experienced / likely to be experienced in our century.