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When we think of British imperial trade, the East India Company often dominates the narrative with its vast wealth, colonial past and the indelible marks it left on history. Long before the East India Company rose to power, the Levant Company laid the groundwork for England’s trade and diplomatic ties in the Eastern Mediterranean.

At the heart of this enterprise was Istanbul, then known as Constantinople, serving as a crucial hub for commerce between England and the Ottoman Empire.

Vision of Queen Elizabeth I

In the late 16th century, England sought to expand its trade horizons beyond the confines of Europe. Recognizing the strategic importance of the Ottoman Empire, Queen Elizabeth I initiated diplomatic overtures to establish direct trade relations. In 1581, she granted a charter to the Turkey Company, followed by the Venice Company in 1583. These entities aimed to facilitate trade with the Levant, a term encompassing the Eastern Mediterranean regions under Ottoman control. By 1592, these two companies merged to form the Levant Company, solidifying England’s commitment to commerce with the East.

A key figure in this endeavor was William Harborne, an English merchant and diplomat. In 1583, he was dispatched to Constantinople as Elizabeth’s envoy, bearing lavish gifts for Sultan Murad III, including “three fair mastiffs, three spaniels, two bloodhounds, one common hunting hound, and two greyhounds in coats of silk.” Harborne’s mission was successful; he secured trading privileges for English merchants, laying the groundwork for the Levant Company’s operations.

Portrait of Francis Levett (1700–1764), a Turkey merchant and chief representative of the Levant Company in Constantinople from 1737 to 1750, shown in traditional Turkish attire. (Photo via Wikimedia)

Istanbul: Meeting point of east-west trade

Istanbul’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia made it an ideal center for commerce. As the capital of the Ottoman Empire, it was a bustling metropolis where goods from the East and West converged. The Levant Company established a factory (trading post) in the city, serving as both a commercial hub and a diplomatic outpost. From here, English merchants, known as “Turkey Merchants,” coordinated the export of English wool, tin, and lead, and the import of Ottoman silk, spices, and currants—a vital sweetener before the widespread availability of sugar.

The company’s representatives, or “factors,” were stationed in key Ottoman cities, including Smyrna (modern-day Izmir) and Aleppo. These factors managed trade operations, navigated local customs, and maintained relations with Ottoman officials. The Levant Company’s presence in these cities facilitated a steady flow of goods and information, strengthening England’s economic ties with the region.

Coat of arms of the Levant Company. (Photo via Wikimedia)

Challenges and decline

Despite its early successes, the Levant Company faced numerous challenges in the 18th century. The outbreak of the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763), often considered the first global conflict, disrupted trade routes and strained resources. While the East India Company expanded its influence in India, the Levant Company struggled to maintain its foothold in the Mediterranean.

Additionally, the company grappled with internal issues, including outdated regulations and bureaucratic inertia. Efforts to modernize and attract new investors were overshadowed by the East India Company’s burgeoning success. Compounding these problems were recurrent outbreaks of plague in Ottoman territories, leading to costly quarantines and trade disruptions. By the early 19th century, the Levant Company’s influence had waned, and it was officially dissolved in 1825.

Legacy and rediscovery

Though the Levant Company faded from prominence, its legacy endures in the historical tapestry of British trade. It played a crucial role in establishing England’s commercial presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and fostering diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire. The company’s operations introduced English society to Eastern goods and customs, influencing tastes and cultural practices.

May 15, 2025 05:27 PM GMT+03:00