Miners and the State in the Ottoman Empire: The Zonguldak Coalfield 1822-1920
The story takes place within the coalfield of Zonguldak, which is situated along the Black Sea Coast. The area was well-endowed with mineral deposits, and as the economy entered the steam age, there was the need for a continuous supply of coal. The mines were discovered, and miners from the villages had to be employed to work in the mines. Quataert explains the experiences of the coal miners had in the Ottoman Empire. The coal miners came from the Zonguldak villages, and they worked under deplorable conditions. The miners had a difficult lifestyle since there was no free medical ...