A Research On The Basra’s Trade In Eighteenth Century

Basra is the second largest city and the largest port city in Iraq,and the only hub connecting the Persian Gulf and the inland water system.In 1546,Basra was brought under the rule of the Ottoman Empire,and became the only inlet leading into the Persian Gulf in the empire.In the 18 th century,as a port-of-transit,Basra was a hub between Europe,Ottoman Empire,Persia,India and other regions,six commercial routes passed through here,which made Basra become the main international port in the Persian Gulf.There are three chapters beside the introduction and conclusion:The introduction discusses mainly the purpose and significance of this topic,the research status of the relevant contents at home and abroad,the definition of related concept,the framework of this paper as well as the research methods and innovations.The first chapter clarifies the historical development of Basra.It narrates Basra’s history since the city was founded to the beginning of the 18 th century.Then it analyses Basra’s geographical location and climate and their impact on trade,and further investigates the urban morphology and demographic composition of Basra during 18 th century.The second chapter discusses the rise and prosperity of Basra’s trade as well as the representations and causes of this prosperity from the early 18 th century to 1774.In the first half of 18 th century,Basra’s trade gradually rose and developed.Then Basra’s trade entered the period of boom from the end of the war between Basra and Ka‘b in 1766 to the occupation of Persia,it involved six major trade regions,and had large trade scope,numerous trade routes as well as abundant freight types and a large number of good quantity.In this period,the main reasons which prompt the boom of Basra’s trade are as follows: the attention and protection of Britain,the rise of Muscat Fleet,the merchant communities were good at management and the strong leadership of ruler.The third chapter discusses the characters and causes of the decline of Basra trade in late18 th century.The penetration of British power further deepened the difference between Basra’s merchant communities,the businessmen of latter were of different minds;The further decline of the Ottoman Empire and the political unrest led to the invasion of Persia and theinsurgency of tribes,Basra’s trade situation remained turbulent;The trade situation of trade partners in six major regions deteriorated,leaving a negative effect on Basra’s trade.In the late of 18 th century,Basra was depopulated and ruinous,the wall was broken,each trade route showed signs of decline,the trade remained on a downswing even lasted until 19 th century.