This book provides a significant contribution to our understanding of the Ottoman Empire’s economic history, particularly through its exploration of local entrepreneurship, which brings new perspectives to the economic dynamics of the region.

This focus adds a valuable dimension to the broader narrative of Mediterranean social and economic developments from the 18th to the 20th century. By emphasizing the role of both Muslim and non-Muslim agents, the work challenges more Eurocentric narratives that have often influenced the historiography of economic activities in this region. The inclusion of Ottoman, Turkish, and Greek sources underlines the importance of accessing voices and records that have been underutilized in previous studies. The fact that this project is a result of Greek–Turkish academic cooperation is particularly noteworthy, as it promotes a more nuanced and comprehensive view toward shared histories in order to shed light on complex historical phenomena.

This work will be of interest to scholars of Ottoman and Mediterranean history seeking to explore the nuances of economic and social change from within the Ottoman Empire. It will also appeal to a wider audience interested in the history of early entrepreneurial activities and the complex interplay between cultural and economic dynamics in historical contexts.