Developing maritime trade in the Sea of Azov: The case of port Mariupol and the role of Austrian merchants

Abstract

The article examines the expansion of the port-city of Mariupol during the so-called ‘Greek period of its history, spanning from its inception until 1859. The early nineteenth century was characterised by the establishment of port systems on the Sea of Azov, where Mariupol emerged as the second port and played a pivotal role in linking the Azov Sea region to global markets. Based on archival materials from Ukraine, Austria, Croatia and the UK, as well as statistical data and press, this article examines the role of the local community and Austrian merchants in the development of maritime trade. Furthermore, it investigates the internal and external economic and political factors that influenced commercial endeavors through the port of Mariupol.