The Licese Mine and Activities of Asia Minor Mining Company in the Licese

The Ottoman Empire, gave importance managing and running mines in its own territories from its foundation period. The Empire which took advantage of experience of the conquered regions improved mining industry to the competitive level with Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. But the Empire was not able to keep pace with developments since 18th century and fell behind with the industry. It consequently took some steps to stimulate the sector. So that, many native's businessmen of Muslim and non-Muslim aspired that to mines in Licese, but they could not manage a stable. In this period, European companies applied for the Licese mine in the sanjak of Karahisar-i Sarki, as well as the other mines in Anatolia. The most important of these companies is British Asia Minor Mining Company. After Asia Minor Mining Company had purchased the mine in Licese, economy of region revived. Activities of company have changed patterns of work in the region. The inhabitants who previously engaged in farming began to receive a sallary as provision of effort. However, the activities of company in the region caused to security and political problems. In this work, we deal with the status the mines in Licese and the economic, social and political effects of the mining activities of Asia Minor Mining Company in the region.