THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

This study represents a reseach emphasizing the central government efforts of the Ottoman Empire to promote tourism. Most of the Ottoman Sultans had great interest to the cultural and artistic values. In time, these values were interested by the westerners. The Ottoman land always attracted travelers. Although there were no proper roads, public transportation and guidance facilities in 17th centuries, foreigners traveled with their own wish individually for several reasons. They were officials, scientists, clergymen and archaeologists visited the Ottoman Empire, especially İstanbul and Asia Minor (Anatolia) for political, religion and other reasons. In the 19th century the Ottoman administration became aware of the touristic values and began to promote country for tourism. The biggest development in Ottoman Tourism is the opening of the railway lines. The world’s most classical train Orient Express, had great contribution to the development of the Ottoman Tourism. In this study, the Ottoman central government efforts to promote tourism in different periods were examined.