1914rif. 371558Istanbul: Ahmed İhsan ve Şürekası Matbaacılık Osmanlı Şirketi 1914. With color portrait of Sultan Reşat folding map of the Bosphorus and numerous black-and-white photographic plates. 10 232; 28 French summary pp. 1 vols. 4to. Black buckram. Very good occasional light staining paper flaw on first leaf of French text minimal loss of text. With color portrait of Sultan Reşat folding map of the Bosphorus and numerous black-and-white photographic plates. 10 232; 28 French summary pp. 1 vols. 4to. First edition of this comprehensive maritime work detailing the history operations and employees of the Şirket-i Hayriye the Bosphorus Ferry Company Turkey's first joint-stock company which operated passenger and freight transport services on the Bosphorus from 1854 to 1945. The book includes biographies and photographs of the company's executives employees and captains along with information about its fleet of 77 ships piers and the neighborhoods it served. Captions and technical terms are also provided in French with a 28-page French summary included at the end. Founded in 1851 with the support of Reşid Pasha and Sultan Abdülmecid the company's charter was prepared by Ahmet Cevdet Pasha. Its first paddle steamers were ordered from England and its inaugural voyage took place in 1854 between Eminönü and Üsküdar. Over time the company expanded its fleet with ships built in England France Germany and Istanbul. Initially most captains were non-Muslims primarily Greek; however Rıza Ömer Kaptan from Beykoz became the first Turkish captain. An invaluable snapshot of maritime transportation in Istanbul in 1914 including details on European advancements in shipping piers neighborhoods and ferry services along the Bosphorus. An important document reflecting the cosmopolitan life of Istanbul during the late Ottoman era. Ahmed İhsan ve Şürekası Matbaacılık Osmanlı Şirketi unknown books