Abstract
Istanbul was exceptionally flourished metropolises in Mediterranean and Middle East. Especially during 16th century, Istanbul faced a rapid population inflow which created number of factors led to remarkable social instabilities. First social issue was the serious food shortage and second was the deterioration of public security. As a result, number of countermeasures was taken such as stopping population inflow and resolving food shortage and security issues. Despite the significance of the issue, there was no specific research made on the population inflow in Istanbul during the late 16^<th> century. Objective of this paper is to illustrate the causal link between population growth and food shortage/social instability in late 16^<th> century by referring to Muhimme Defteri. According to the earlier studies on Istanbul demography, population grown was comparatively relaxed from late 16^<th> century to 19^<th> century. At the same time, there were number of researches made on the outstanding population growth in Istanbul in 16^<th> century. However, most of the past researches are not discussing on the impact given to Istanbul due to the population inflow. Considering above discussion as a closely connected subject will lead us to clarify the urban planning changes in Istanbul and to make in depth assessment on the casual association between urban issues and population inflow.
