ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE DE CASTRO FAMILY IN CORFU AND ISTANBUL IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE 19^th CENTURY

The article discusses information regarding prominent figures in the Castro (De Castro) family who lived and operated in Corfu (Kerkyra) and Istanbul in the first half of the 19^th century. This includes primarily their relations with the British embassy in Istanbul and with the British consulate in the Dardanelles (Çanakkale), their relations with the Anglican missionaries, and the conversion to Christianity of one member of the family, Haim Castro. Also portrayed is knowledge about the family’s business, the trade in citrons in Corfu, and the establishment of printing houses and commercial activity in Istanbul. Another issue mentioned is the British citizenship received by Jews in this period and the possibility of obtaining it due to the British protectorate of Corfu in 1815-1863. The article is based mainly on documents from the Levant Company archives, missionary texts, the press and the Responsa literature. The research literature on many relevant aspects and details was another source of information for this article.