Georgios Zariphis

Who was Georgios Zariphis?

Georgios Y. Zariphis, also known as Yorgo Zarifi, was a prominent Ottoman Greek banker and financier. He was also very well known as a prominent benefactor of his time. Zariphis met Sultan Abdulhamid II when the latter was a shahzade with a low expectation of ascending to the throne. The Prince, having financial troubles, called on the expertise of Zariphis to manage his personal wealth. After Abdulhamid became sultan, he continued to utilize Zarifi's advisory services.

Living at the time when the Ottoman Empire was in great financial distress and had declared bankruptcy, Zariphis was one of the Galata bankers that was involved in the Empire's debt raising. He was also involved in setting up Düyun-u Umumiye in 1881 that oversaw tax collection and debt payments of the Ottoman Empire.

Zariphis also sponsored the foundation of Greek language schools, which were named Zariphia after schools: like the Zariphios School in Philippopolis and Dede Aghach.