Lastigi

Lastigi is a historical term of Turkic origin, primarily used in the Ottoman Empire, referring to a type of water carrier or porter. The term denotes an individual whose occupation involved transporting water, often over long distances, for various purposes, including domestic use, construction, and firefighting. Lastigis were particularly important in urban areas where access to clean water sources was limited. They typically carried water in containers, often made of leather or metal, and employed various methods for transport, such as carrying the containers on their backs or using animals like donkeys. The profession of lastigi gradually declined with the improvement of water infrastructure and the advent of modern plumbing systems. The term itself is rarely used in contemporary Turkish.