Hüseyin KALELİ

In order to forward the wealth resources in mainland to international markets in 19.th century, railways have become widespread. Although railway issue has been a matter of development and growth for us, as it requires large amount of capital and is related with interest ofpowerful countries, it was referred with international problems. While railways were being constructed by European forces on some regions of Ottoman territories, many projects have been developed for accessing the markets from harbors ofthe Black Sea to Eastern and South Eastern Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Persian Golf and Trans-Caspian markets by railways. Issue of establishing railways to Black Sea region has been discussed by domestic government officials and writers. Strategic importance of the region has been noticed by current imperialist countries such as England before the Suez Channal was opened in 1869. The reason for this was that it would be easier to reach Asia minor countries without compassing the Cape ofGood Hope. However, despite a number of plans and proposals, the Black Sea Region could not achieve the long-waited railways for 150 years. This matter still maintains its importance today since the period of Ottoman’s.

Keywords: Ottoman Railways, Transportation in the Black Sea Region, Railway Projects, Railway Royalties, Black Sea Railways.