[Preventive measures taken in Adrianople during the 1893-1894 cholera epidemic, as reflected in a local newspaper]

Cholera is derived from the Latin words colos (large intestine) and reo (to flow) and means flowing of the liquids through the stomach and the intestines. The first cholera epidemic was experienced in India and spread out to other countries. Although it had been known for ages, it was not recognized until the 16th century. Seven serious cholera epidemics have broken out in the world since the 19th century. In spite of all precautions taken by the Ottoman government, the sixth world cholera epidemic that started in Asia in 1891 and caused the loss of 40 thousand people, reached Istanbul in 1893. Later, it spread to Iznik, Salonika and Anatolia. Just as it appeared in Europe, precautions started to be taken in Adrianople. At first, special care was taken for city hygiene and a commission was formed to inspect the cleanliness of the city. Many brochures and articles were published on the protection against the illness, in order to inform the citizens of the cholera epidemic. Preachers spoke of cholera in their sermons. To protect Adrianople against the epidemic, entrance into and exit out of the city were patrolled and passengers coming from Europe or Istanbul to Adrianople were kept waiting for three days at the quarantines built in Cisri Mustafa Pasha and Catalca.