Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP18132
Authors: Laura Panza
Abstract: During the early modern era most of the Middle East became unified by the Ottomans, who kept control of it for 400 years. Located at the crossroads of three continents, the Ottoman Empire was one of the longest-lasting dynasties in world history. This paper discusses trends in economic development in the Middle East drawing on existing estimates of population density at the city level, trade flows and GDP per capita, highlighting the high degree of spatial and temporal heterogeneity across the region.
Keywords: Trade; Development; Middle East; Ottoman Empire; Economic History
JEL Codes: N35
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Engagement of the Middle East in global trade during the Ottoman period (N75) | Economic development (O29) |
| Higher urbanization rates (R11) | Economic development (O29) |
| Increased trade interactions with Europe and Asia (F19) | Higher urbanization rates (R11) |
| Ottoman Empire's policies of provisionism (F54) | Increase in availability of goods (F61) |
| Increase in availability of goods (F61) | Urban growth (R11) |
| Decline of the Ottoman Empire's role as a trade hub (N93) | Negative effect on economic standing (F69) |