ABSTRACT
From 1854 to 1856, French and British troops were stationed in various places and left an indelible impact on the daily life and culture of Istanbul. The physical existence, interaction, numbers and duration of stay of the allies were all unprecedented. European visitors of Istanbul consisted of not only military people but also doctors, surgeons, nurses, diplomats, traders, bankers, contractors, tourists, engineers, Protestant missionaries, Orientalists, journalists, photographers, etc. and their families. This appearance of the Europeans had an impact on the minds of not only the Ottoman elite but also the common people and was felt in many spheres of daily life, including clothing, etiquette, music, literature, entertainment, furniture, eating and drinking habits, promenades, conspicuous consumption, women's visibility in public space and so on. The establishments founded due to the new requirements outlived the war years, becoming permanent official and civic bodies. The first Ottoman municipality was established, the first telegraph reached Istanbul, the first medical society was established by European doctors, European investors invited to build a railway line and so on. The Grand Rue de Pera gained a new face modelling the gradually adopted a la Franca style.
