Kapikulus' and timarli sipahis' agricultural wealth accumulations according to Edirne probate inventories (1550-1610)

Date

2024-12

Author

Dinç, Erdi

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This thesis aims to examine the wealth accumulation of the kapıkulus and timarli sipahis living in Edirne in the 16th century, and to explore how they responded to the military and fiscal transformations that took place during that period. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the literature within the context of the "çiftlik debate," a current issue in Ottoman socio-economic history. Contrary to the accounts of Ottoman nasihatname authors, there were no laws in the 16th century preventing soldiers from engaging in agriculture or trade. Furthermore, the military and fiscal transformations that occurred during the same period affected the lives of the kapıkulus and timarli sipahis, pushing them out of their traditional roles and leading them to engage in agricultural and commercial activities. This thesis examines whether kapıkulu soldiers and timarli sipahis living in Edirne in the 16th century were involved in agricultural activities, with the help of the probate inventories belonging to the Edirne military kassam. Additionally, through the analysis of these inventories, the thesis aims to provide a new suggestion for the definition of farms, which is an important aspect of the farm debate. The study of these soldiers' agricultural wealth accumulation is expected to aid in understanding the diversity of agricultural production in the rural areas of Edirne. In conclusion, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of Ottoman socio-economic structures by examining the economic transformation of the Ottoman military class, particularly their engagement in agriculture and trade, and by offering new insights into the farm debate.

Subject Keywords

Edirne, Agriculture, Soldier, Farm, Production

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/112943

Collections

Graduate School of Social Sciences, Thesis