Effect of Introduction of Fire Prevention Facilities on Fires in Ottoman Istanbul

Abstract

This study analyses 151 fire incidents in Ottoman Istanbul (1478–1918), focusing on origins, scale, and damage using GIS data. The research highlights the role of building codes (e.g. 1848 code), fire fighting organisations (e.g. 1868 autonomous fire unit), and equipment (fire pumps introduced around 1720, fire ponds from 1794) in reducing fire risk. Findings show that while overall fire incidents did not decline across the entire city, significant reductions occurred in vulnerable areas such as the Grand Bazaar and Odun Gate following the installation of fire ponds near major mosques in 1795. These facilities helped limit the spread and severity of fires, though effectiveness remained partial. The study concludes that fire prevention in Ottoman Istanbul was the result of combined improvements in building resilience, firefighting infrastructure, and organisational capacity.