Feeding Istanbul: The Political Economy of Urban Provisioning

In the early 19th century, Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, was provisioned through a transfer of responsibility from the sovereign to the market and the subjects (later citizens). Feeding Istanbul explores how food politics and politics of urban provisioning should be central to understanding the relationship between the sovereign and the political community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 259 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2022
Publisher: Haymarket Books

In the early 19th century, Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, transformed into the financial heart of modern-day Turkey. This transformation brought about significant changes in the way the city was provisioned. Initially, the sovereign held the primary responsibility for providing food to the city and ensuring that his subjects were not hungry. However, over time, this duty gradually shifted towards the market, and the responsibility of feeding Istanbul became the sole obligation of the subjects, eventually evolving into the responsibility of the citizens.

Feeding Istanbul, a groundbreaking book, makes a compelling argument for placing food politics and politics of urban provisioning at the forefront of our understanding of the relationship between the sovereign and the political community. By delving into the historical context of Istanbul's provisioning, the book sheds light on the complex dynamics that shaped the city's food system. It explores how the market emerged as a crucial player in providing food to the population, and how the government's role in regulating and overseeing this market evolved.

One of the key insights of Feeding Istanbul is that the provisioning of food in the city was not merely a matter of logistics or supply chains. Rather, it was deeply intertwined with political and social dynamics. The book demonstrates how the marketization of food led to the emergence of new social classes and hierarchies, as well as the marginalization of certain groups. It also highlights the ways in which food provisioning became a tool for the government to control and manipulate the population, particularly during times of political unrest or economic crisis.

Furthermore, Feeding Istanbul sheds light on the ways in which food provisioning has shaped the urban landscape of Istanbul. The book discusses the development of food markets, grocery stores, and restaurants, as well as the impact of these institutions on the social and cultural life of the city. It explores how food has become a symbol of identity and belonging, as well as a means of promoting social cohesion and community building.

In conclusion, Feeding Istanbul is a must-read for anyone interested in the politics of food, urban provisioning, and the relationship between the sovereign and the political community. By providing a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the historical and contemporary food system of Istanbul, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape our cities and societies.

Weight: 402g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642597721