Abstract
        
            
            Ayans and Maritime in the Black Sea
            
            Ayans which emerged at Anatolian and Rumelian provinces of Ottoman Imperium, whom was sort of an equilibrant to government and each other, lived through their most powerful period in Eastern Black Sea region at the end of 18th and early years of 19th century. This period also was the opening of Black Sea to the international maritime trade. And most of the seaports of Eastern Black Sea was established at this period either. In this study we will examine maritime activities of Ayans just before first Steamship cruises at Eastern Black Sea. Our aim is to discuss effects of decentralisation on maritime sector, ayan interest about maritime and effects of steamship cruises on local navigation in this context.
            
            
            Keywords
            Ottoman, Ayan, Maritime, Maritime Trade, Black Sea.