The brief of Lazistan governor, Ahmet Cevdet Pasha about Atina (pazar) and Hopa

Eastern Black Sea region, whose history goes back to pre-Christ period, became much more important especially after Ottoman - Russian war. This region, constituting northeastern border of the Ottoman Empire, was an important gate for Russia to access to the Mediterranesn Sea. This geography which contained mostly steep and deep valleys was connected to the inner parts with some main passageways. Therefore, the connection of these passageways with the sea was possible with the ports in the Eastern Black Sea Region. As the Ottoman Empire was aware of the importance of this region, the state gave special importance to the administration of the region. Especially in the last periods of the Empire, the state wanted to be active in that region by commissioning senior mlers like pashas. Ahmet Cevdet Pasha was one of those rulers. He even drafted a brief related to the financial, military, political and social state of the region. His brief which includes his views about Atina (Pazar) and Hopa is remarkable as a distinct viewpoint.