Halil Edhem (Eldem) Bey’s Tenure as Mayor of Istanbul and His Activities

Halil Edhem (Eldem) Bey, an individual with a European education, held various administrative and political positions in both the late Ottoman Empire and the early Republic of Türkiye. His tenure as Mayor of Istanbul, from August 2, 1909, to February 3, 1910, coincided with a period of significant political and social transformation following the proclamation of the Second Constitutional Monarchy. During this time, both the citizens of Istanbul and the government placed considerable expectations on Halil Edhem Bey. These included the reconstruction of the city, improvements in hospital services, enhanced cleanliness and public health measures, and better public transportation. Despite his efforts to address these demands, existing economic constraints severely limited his ability to implement reforms. Additionally, conflicts between the Şehremaneti (Municipality) and other Istanbul departments further hindered his capacity to deliver effective municipal services. This study examines Halil Edhem Bey’s appointment to the Istanbul Şehremaneti and his initiatives during his tenure, drawing primarily on archival documents, periodicals, newspapers, and secondary sources.