The Society of the Friends of İstanbul (İstanbul Şehri Muhipleri Cemiyeti) in light of new documents

The Society of the Friends of Istanbul (İstanbul Şehri Muhipleri Cemiyeti/Société des Amis de Stamboul) (1911–1915), the first civil organization dedicated to preserving the natural and historical fabric of Istanbul during the Ottoman period, initiated pioneering efforts during its short period of activity. The emergence of the Society coincided with a period marked by both accelerated urban modernization initiatives and the widespread destruction of historical monuments in Istanbul. With a multinational membership, the Society was not only influenced by the social and political dynamics within the Ottoman Empire but was also positioned as a conduit for the expansionist cultural policies of European powers, particularly France. Through its publications, organized excursions, and conferences, the Society sought to cultivate public awareness among the Ottoman elite. By collaborating with state institutions, it prevented the demolition of numerous historical structures and facilitated their restoration. By encompassing both Byzantine and Ottoman legacies, the Society embraced Istanbul’s multilayered cultural heritage. This research aims to illuminate the Society’s activities, administrative structure, and unique position within the history of Ottoman preservation by utilizing primary documents obtained from contemporary newspapers, institutional archives, and personal archives that have received limited attention in the existing literature.

Keywords: Byzantine heritage, heritage awareness, Ottoman Istanbul, preservation societies, urban modernization, urban preservation.