For centuries, the ruling element in the Ottoman Empire, the Turks, were engaged only in the administration of the country, leaving the economic field to the Christians of the country. Armenians, Greeks and other subject nations of the empire worked for centuries to keep the country’s economy prosperous1. After the Crimean war of 1853–1856, when the Ottoman Empire began to strengthen its relations with Europe and modernize its economy, Armenians were ready to play an important role between the empire and Europe. Armenian merchants knew European languages and the newest methods of European trade. That is why they were able to become mediators of Turkish–European trade and occupy an influential position in Turkish–European trade.

KeywordsConstantinople Ottoman Empire the Armenians of Constantinople Greeks periodic press trading company import export khan workshop factory