The Great Fire of 1660: Istanbul's Devastating Urban Inferno

In 1660, a massive fire swept through Istanbul, destroying tens of thousands of homes and reshaping the city's urban fabric. This episode explores the Great Fire of 1660, its causes, its devastating path from Eminönü to the Grand Bazaar, and its aftermath. We discuss how the fire prompted Sultan Mehmed IV and his grand vizier Köprülüzade Fazıl Ahmed Paşa to rebuild neighborhoods, relocate populations, and impose new building regulations. The fire also had a profound impact on the city's Jewish community, as the authorities used the destruction to expel Jews from certain quarters and confiscate their property. We delve into the accounts of Ottoman chroniclers like Mustafa Naima and European travelers, the role of the Janissaries in both fighting and looting, and how the rebuilding efforts reflected the architectural and social priorities of the late 17th century. This episode uncovers a pivotal but often overlooked disaster that transformed Istanbul's landscape and demographics.

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