Beyoğlu known by the minorities as ‘Pera’, developed as a neighbourhood from the Middle Ages as the extension of the former Genoese trade colony of Galata. As Galata couldn’t contain the growing number of Embassies from the 17th century onwards these were relocated in Beyoğlu and built in architecture to reflect the importance of the various emerging empire nations of the day. These building now serve the respective nations consulates. The same trend of movement was also followed by the Levantines, resident foreigners and minorities and by the 19th century the ‘Grand Rue de Pera’ became the showcase of the Ottoman Empire, where trade, culture, arts flourished in the ‘La Belle Époque’. Today the grandeur is not completely lost, the buildings stand, the thoroughfare is still a magnet for shoppers and the area still has a distinctive part-foreign feel. The conference aims to analyse and celebrate the long and varied contribution Levantines and their businesses have had in shaping this neighbourhood and beyond.

Range of topics for which proposals are invited include:

Levantines and their role in transforming Pera from an outlying suburb to the commercial hub of the city; Galata bankers; Culture and Arts of Pera and the role Levantines played in their local development; Levantine newspapers; foreign architects; Levantine run theatres, cinemas, Levantine football clubs; Levantine composers; the changes in the composition of local Levantines and their legacy today.

Presentations can be in English or Turkish.

Projected time-table:

1- Cut-off date for call for papers 31 July 2016

2- Confirmation of selection of presentations 15 August 2016.

3- Final date for final abstract / powerpoint presentations 1 September 2016.

Craig Encer, Secterary Levantine Heritage Foundation