Georgios Zariphis | |
|---|---|
 c. 1881 | |
| Born | Yorgo Zariphis 1810 |
| Died | 28 March 1884 |
| Nationality | Ottoman Greek |
| Occupation(s) | 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 a prominent Ottoman Greek banker and financier. He was also well known as a prominent benefactor of his time. Zariphis met Sultan Abdul Hamid 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 Abdul Hamid II became sultan, he continued to utilize Zarifi's advisory services during the First Constitutional Era.
Living at the time when the Ottoman Empire was in great financial distress and had declared bankruptcy, Zariphis was one of the Galata bankers who was involved in the Empire's debt raising. He was involved in setting up the Düyun-u Umumiye (Office of Public Debt) 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 (present-day: Plovdiv, Ottoman era: Filibe) and Dede Aghach (present-day: Alexandroupoli).[citation needed]
