Georgios Zariphis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georgios Zariphis
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c. 1881
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| Born |
Yorgo Zariphis
1810 |
| Died | 28 March 1884 |
| Nationality | Ottoman Greek |
| Occupation | Banker and financier |
| Known for | Benefaction |
Georgios Y. Zariphis (Greek: Γεώργιος Ζαρίφης, Turkish: Yorgo Zarifi; 1810 – 28 March 1884), also known as Yorgo Zarifi, was an important Greek banker and financier. He lived in the Ottoman Empire and was known for being very generous.
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Georgios Zariphis: A Generous Banker
Georgios Zariphis was a successful banker and financier. This means he managed large amounts of money. He helped people and businesses with their finances. He was also famous for his kindness and for giving money to good causes.
Helping the Sultan
Zariphis met Sultan Abdul Hamid II when the Sultan was still a prince. The prince had money problems. He asked Zariphis for advice on how to manage his personal wealth. After Abdul Hamid II became Sultan, he continued to ask Zariphis for financial advice. This shows how much the Sultan trusted Zariphis's skills.
Supporting the Ottoman Empire
During Zariphis's time, the Ottoman Empire faced big money troubles. The empire even declared that it could not pay its debts. Zariphis was one of the "Galata bankers." These bankers helped the empire raise money. He also helped set up the Düyun-u Umumiye in 1881. This office managed the empire's taxes and debt payments.
A Friend to Education
Georgios Zariphis cared a lot about education. He used his wealth to help start Greek language schools. These schools were even named "Zariphia" after him. One famous example is the Zariphios School in Philippopolis. Today, this city is known as Plovdiv. He also supported a school in Dede Aghach, which is now Alexandroupoli.
His Legacy in Istanbul
Even today, you can find traces of Georgios Zariphis in Istanbul.
Buildings Named in His Honor
One building at the Balıklı Greek Hospital is called Zariphion. This name honors him for his many donations. He gave money to the hospital throughout his life.
Historical Mansion
Georgios Zariphis had a summer home called Zarifi Köşkü. It is in the Yeniköy area. This mansion is a protected historical building. In 2005, it began to be restored. It now serves as the headquarters for the Turkish Football Federation.
A Restaurant's Name
There is a restaurant in the Beyoğlu district named Zariphis (Zarifi). The name is a clever play on the word zarif, which means "genteel" or "elegant." It also refers to Yorgo Zarifi himself.
