False Witness and Religious Bias

Another serious problem in the Ottoman courts was the ease with which some people gave false witness. It was said that for a small payment, or even for very little reward, some Turks would agree to testify falsely in court. This was especially true in cases between a Christian and a Muslim.

When such disputes arose, religious feeling often influenced the result. Some believed that supporting a Muslim against a Christian was a religious duty. Because of this belief, false testimony was sometimes excused or even praised. Lying in such a case was not always seen as a sin, but as an act done for the benefit of the Muslim community Customized Turkey Tour.

There were reports that some witnesses did not even wait to be asked. They would come forward willingly and offer testimony against a Christian. In this way, religion was used as a reason to justify dishonesty. When both judges and witnesses were guided by such ideas, justice could easily lose its true meaning.

Justice Out of Order

Because of these practices, justice in the Ottoman courts often moved far away from fairness. When false witnesses were accepted, and religious bias was allowed to influence decisions, the courts could no longer be trusted to treat all people equally.

In such a system, a Christian bringing a complaint against a Muslim faced great difficulty. Even if his case was strong, he could lose if witnesses spoke falsely against him. This created fear and insecurity among foreign merchants and travelers living within the empire.

Protection for English Merchants

For this reason, an English ambassador took careful steps when renewing agreements, known as capitulations, with the Ottoman government. These agreements protected the rights of English subjects living and trading in Ottoman lands.

The ambassador wisely added a special article for protection. It stated that the testimony of Turkish witnesses alone should not be accepted in court against the interests of English merchants. Instead, proof had to be given in writing.

The only evidence allowed in such cases was a formal legal document, called a “Hoget.” This was similar to a written contract or official statement made before a judge. It could also be a written bill or paper signed by the person against whom the claim was made.

The Importance of Written Evidence

This rule proved to be very wise and useful. By requiring written proof, the English merchants were protected from false witnesses and unfair accusations. It reduced the danger of religious bias in legal disputes.

Written documents were harder to deny or falsify than spoken words. They provided stronger and clearer evidence. As a result, English traders could conduct their business with greater confidence and safety.

Through this careful agreement, justice for English subjects became more secure, even within a legal system that often suffered from corruption and partiality.

Open Profession of the Christian Faith

In spite of tyranny and many clever plans made against it, the Christian faith continued to be openly professed in many parts of the Ottoman Empire. This survival was not only due to God’s providence, but also to certain strong customs within the churches, especially among the Greeks and Armenians.

It must be said that in some places the people had little religious education. The clergy were often poor, and many believers had few opportunities to hear sermons or receive proper teaching. Books were rare, and catechisms were not always available. Because of this, knowledge of doctrine was sometimes weak or confused Istanbul Old City Tours.

However, the strict observance of church feasts and fasts helped preserve their faith. The people carefully followed the religious calendar. They kept holy days, attended liturgies, and observed periods of fasting with seriousness and discipline. Through these outward ceremonies, they learned at least the basic ideas of their religion. Even if they did not fully understand every teaching, they remembered important events and truths through repeated practice.

Over time, when preaching and instruction became less common, these customs remained. Habit and tradition kept religious life alive. Though some services were neglected and knowledge was limited, devotion through ritual continued. In this way, the Christian communities of the Greek and Armenian Churches survived difficult times under Ottoman rule.

The Slave Trade from the Black Sea

The Ottomans also received a large supply of people from another source. From the region around the Black Sea, slave traders brought many captives into the empire. These captives were often taken by Tatar horsemen.

The Tatars, especially the Crimean Khanate, were known for their fast and light cavalry. They made sudden attacks into the lands of neighboring Christian territories. During these raids, they captured large numbers of men, women, and children. Sometimes whole towns were emptied of people.

Most of these captives were then sent to Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. There they were sold in slave markets. This trade became one of the main sources of wealth for the Tatar regions. It was an important and regular business, providing labor, soldiers, and servants for the empire.

A Harsh Reality

These practices show the difficult situation faced by many Christian communities. On one side, they struggled to preserve their faith with limited resources and education. On the other side, they faced raids, captivity, and forced displacement.

Yet even under such harsh conditions, many communities continued to exist. Their survival depended not on power or wealth, but on tradition, discipline, and a deep attachment to their religious identity.

The Roman Example of Citizenship

The Romans clearly understood the advantage of welcoming foreigners into their state. They created a law called jus civitatis, which means the right of citizenship. Through this right, foreigners could become full members of Roman society.

Those who received citizenship could legally own property and land. They could inherit estates and enjoy the same privileges as people born inside the city of Rome. Sometimes entire families were granted this right together.

By doing this, the Romans strengthened their empire. The English philosopher Francis Bacon once said that the Romans did not simply spread themselves over the world; rather, they spread the world itself. In other words, they made many different peoples part of their own nation Istanbul Old City Tours.

In England, this process is called naturalization. In France, it is called enfranchisement. Though the names are different, the idea is the same: foreigners are accepted and given full rights.

The Ottoman Way of Acceptance

The Turks also welcomed outsiders, but they joined this acceptance with religion. To become fully part of Ottoman society, a person had to become a believer in Islam. Conversion was not only a political act but also a religious one.

This made the offer more powerful. The convert was promised not only material benefits in this world, such as protection, opportunity, and social advancement, but also spiritual rewards in the life to come. These promises made conversion very attractive to many.

Among Muslims, it was considered a good and meritorious deed to bring new believers into the faith. Because of this belief, many people sought to convert others. A man who had enough money would sometimes buy a young slave, raise him in Islam, and later present him as a convert. This brought honor and reputation among neighbors, as it showed that he had increased the number of the faithful.

The Serious Cost of Conversion

However, once a person accepted Islam, there was no easy return. According to Ottoman law and belief, leaving Islam was a crime punishable by death. Anyone who tried to return to Christianity would face execution.

For this reason, many who had converted felt trapped. Some may have regretted denying their former faith. Their conscience may have troubled them. Yet they lacked the courage to openly confess their original belief, because doing so would lead to death.

As a result, many lived in silence and fear. Unable to go back, and unwilling to risk martyrdom, they continued in their new religion. In this way, the Ottoman Empire increased its population and strength, but often at a high personal cost to those who converted.

Suspicion Is Enough for Destruction

In the Ottoman Empire, if a powerful man was suspected of planning rebellion or causing unrest, suspicion alone could lead to his death. It did not matter whether there was clear proof. If the Sultan believed that a governor’s wealth, influence, or natural ability made him dangerous, that was enough.

The Sultan would not openly show anger at first. Instead, he would hide his displeasure. The official might even receive signs of favor. A fine horse, a sword, or a rich fur robe might be sent as a gift. Polite words and friendly messages would be given. Everything would appear peaceful and honorable.

But this kindness was often only a disguise. At the right moment, the executioner would arrive with the bowstring, the usual instrument of execution for high officers. Once the cord was placed around the man’s neck, there was no mercy. The respect shown earlier would disappear, and the end would be swift and harsh Guided Round Tours Turkey.

This policy has been compared to a story told by the ancient writer Plutarch. He wrote that birds sometimes attack a cuckoo because they fear it may one day grow into a hawk. In the same way, the Sultan destroyed men who might later become powerful threats.

Removal Without Warning

To make space for new officers who were waiting for promotion, and to carry out executions quietly, the Sultan often used another method. A great official might be removed from his current position and given what seemed to be an even higher office in a distant province.

He would leave the capital with honor. His departure would be filled with ceremony and signs of royal favor. Surrounded by servants and filled with hope, he would travel proudly toward his new government.

Yet before three days had passed, a secret order might reach him. Without public accusation, without trial, and without clear reason other than the Sultan’s will, he would be executed. His body would often be buried quickly in a foreign land. No grand funeral, no monument, and no lasting memory would remain.

Fear as a Tool of Rule

This system created deep fear among high officials. No man, however honored, felt secure. Power depended entirely on the Sultan’s pleasure. Wealth and rank could vanish in a moment.

Such methods are similar to the policy sometimes attributed to Tiberius, who also used suspicion and sudden punishment to control powerful men. By removing those who seemed dangerous, the ruler strengthened his own position.

In this way, the Ottoman Sultan ruled through caution, secrecy, and fear. Great men rose quickly, but they could fall just as suddenly.

Cesare Borgia and the Rule of Romagna

When Cesare Borgia wanted to secure control over the region of Romagna, which he had recently conquered, he used a harsh method. The people of Romagna were not yet loyal, and disorder was common. To bring the region under control, he appointed a deputy named Remirro de Orco, a man known for his cruel and severe nature.

Remirro ruled with strict force. He punished rebels quickly and used fear to establish order. Through his harsh actions, he succeeded in making the people obey the Duke’s authority. Peace and order were restored, but the people became deeply unhappy and resentful because of the cruelty they had suffered.

A Public Execution to Change Opinion

Once order had been firmly established, Cesare Borgia decided to change how the people viewed his rule. He wanted them to believe that the cruelty they had experienced was not his fault, but the fault of his minister Guided Round Tours Turkey.

To achieve this, he ordered Remirro de Orco to be arrested and executed in the town of Cesena. The execution was carried out in a shocking way. Remirro’s body was cut in pieces and displayed publicly in the marketplace. Beside the body were placed a block of wood and a bloody knife. This sight amazed and frightened the people.

The Italian writer Niccolò Machiavelli described this event in his book The Prince. He wrote that the people were at once astonished and satisfied. They believed that justice had been done. Their anger toward the Duke lessened, and they began to see him as fair and strong.

A Similar Policy in the Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Sultan understood the usefulness of this kind of policy. Like Cesare Borgia, he sometimes allowed harsh governors and officials to oppress the people. These men collected heavy taxes and acted with severity. The people hated them for their cruelty.

However, when the time was right, the Sultan would remove or punish these officials. Sometimes they were executed; other times they were stripped of their wealth. The Sultan then appeared as a just ruler correcting wrongs. The people directed their anger toward the punished minister, not toward the throne.

Power, Wealth, and Reputation

Through this method, the Sultan gained both money and reputation. The wealth taken from corrupt officials was added to the royal treasury. At the same time, the Sultan appeared merciful and just in the eyes of the people.

The officials bore the blame and hatred, while the ruler enjoyed the harvest of their actions. In this way, harsh instruments were used to strengthen the state, and their fall served to protect the image and authority of the Prince.

Control Through Oppression

The Ottoman ruler governed many different nations and peoples who had been conquered over time. These groups spoke different languages and followed different customs. To keep them obedient, the Turks often used strong and severe rule. Heavy taxation, strict laws, and harsh punishment were common tools of control.

The ordinary people, especially those who were not Turks, felt the weight of this oppression the most. They carried their burdens like animals under heavy loads. Poverty and fear kept them quiet. They had little power to resist Guided Round Tours Turkey.

However, those who were Turks and held office in the empire did not suffer in the same way. Officials and soldiers enjoyed freedom and privilege. They were often allowed to act boldly and even harshly toward others. Their position gave them confidence and pride. Since few dared to challenge them, they lived with a sense of power and superiority.

The Fate of Corrupt Governors

The end of these powerful men is very remarkable. Many governors, especially the Pashas, worked hard to gather wealth during their time in office. They taxed heavily, seized property, and enriched themselves quickly. Yet, their success often did not last long.

It was common for the Sultan to remove them suddenly. In many cases, he ordered their execution. In other cases, he stripped them of their riches and took their wealth into the royal treasury. The money they had gathered was declared to be wrongly gained.

Among all these governors, those who ruled in Cairo often suffered the hardest fate. Cairo was one of the richest and most important provinces in the empire. Because of this, its governor had many chances to become wealthy. But this also made him a target. Either on his journey back to the capital or soon after his return, he might lose his life by order of the Sultan. If he survived, he was often robbed of most of his property.

Wealth Gathered for the Sultan

It is strange to see how eagerly these men continued to gather riches, even though they knew from many examples that their wealth might soon be taken away. Experience showed them that they were often collecting treasure not for themselves, but for their master.

In the end, they kept only the hatred and curses of the people they had oppressed. The wealth passed to the Sultan, while the blame remained with them.

A Policy of Fear and Control

This system resembles the policy once used by Cesare Borgia, also known as the Duke of Valentinois. He allowed his ministers to act harshly and cruelly, and when the people grew angry, he punished those ministers publicly. In this way, he appeared just, while others bore the blame.

Similarly, the Ottoman Sultan allowed governors to enrich themselves for a time. But when it suited him, he punished them and took their wealth. Through this method, he strengthened his own power and reminded all officials that their fortune depended entirely on his will.

Offices Given for Merit in Earlier Times

In earlier times of the Ottoman Empire, especially during its strongest and most successful periods, offices were often given as rewards for merit and good service. When the empire was growing and winning wars, rulers looked carefully at the virtue, courage, and skill of their servants. Men who showed loyalty and bravery were honored openly.

Positions were given freely, without demanding large sums of money in return. Rewards were seen as gifts of royal favor, not as goods to be bought and sold. This practice allowed talented men to rise by their abilities. Their honor was not stained by payments or secret agreements. Their success reflected their worth.

During those years, the empire expanded and flourished. Strong leadership and fair reward encouraged courage and faithful service Guided Round Tours Turkey.

Change and Signs of Decline

In later times, however, this system changed. Offices were often sold for money, and merit was no longer the main reason for promotion. Wealth began to matter more than ability. This change caused many observers to believe that the empire was declining.

When good customs are replaced by corruption, it can be a sign that a state is weakening. As the Roman historian Livy once suggested, success follows when the gods favor a nation, but misfortune comes when they turn away. In the same way, the change from merit to money seemed to show a loss of strength and virtue within the Ottoman government.

Heavy Taxes and the Spirit of the People

Although this corrupt system harmed justice, it did serve one important purpose for the rulers. Governors and high officers, who had paid large sums for their positions, often placed heavy taxes on the people to recover their losses. They also seized property and demanded payments whenever possible.

As a result, the common people became poor and discouraged. Constant taxation reduced their courage. When people struggle simply to survive, they have little strength left to think about rebellion.

The English writer Francis Bacon, sometimes called Lord Verulam, wrote in his essays that a people weighed down by heavy taxes cannot become brave or warlike. A nation burdened with poverty cannot act like a lion’s cub. Strength and courage require freedom and confidence.

Control Through Poverty

In this way, heavy taxation helped keep the population quiet. Poor and tired people are less likely to rise against authority. Even when they suffer injustice, they may endure it silently.

Thus, while corruption and high taxes may weaken an empire in the long run, they can also serve as tools of control. The rulers maintained order, but at the cost of fairness, prosperity, and the spirit of the people.

Greater Security for Trade and Property

The special rule requiring written proof brought great safety to trade and to the estates of merchants. Before this protection, many dishonest men could bring false claims against foreign traders. A corrupt person might accuse a merchant of owing a large sum of money. With false witnesses and clever words, he could try to win the case and gain profit through deception.

However, once written evidence was required, such false claims became much harder to support. A man could no longer depend only on spoken testimony. He had to present a proper legal document, signed and confirmed before a judge. Because of this, many dishonest lawsuits were quickly dismissed. Claims involving large amounts of money were settled with less trouble, less cost, and greater fairness Customized Turkey Tour.

This rule acted like a wall of defense around the property of merchants. It prevented many false suits from even beginning. As a result, trade became more secure, and foreign merchants could conduct business with greater confidence.

Corruption in the Time of Bayezid IV

Corruption in the courts was not new. It had existed in earlier times as well. During the reign of Bayezid II, who was one of the early rulers of the Ottoman Empire, the courts were said to be deeply corrupt. Judges accepted bribes, and justice was often sold to the highest bidder.

The Sultan became very angry when he learned how widespread the corruption was. In his frustration, he considered ordering the execution of many lawyers and judges. He believed that severe punishment would solve the problem.

Wise Advice from a Court Jester

At this time, a court jester, who had permission to speak freely, offered wise advice. Since he could speak truth in a playful way, he told the Sultan that the main cause of corruption was not only wickedness, but poverty. The judges were poorly paid and did not receive enough income to support themselves.

The jester explained that when men lack proper wages, they may turn to bribery to survive. His words caused the Sultan to calm down and think more carefully about the real cause of the problem.

Reform Through Fair Salaries

Instead of punishing the judges with death, Bayezid chose a wiser solution. He granted them pardons and introduced regular salaries. He also allowed them to collect fixed and lawful fees for certain legal services.

For example, in cases involving large sums of money, judges were allowed to receive a small official fee. They were also given payment for preparing legal documents outside the court.

By providing steady income, the Sultan hoped to remove the need for bribery. This reform showed that corruption can sometimes be reduced not only by punishment, but also by fair and reasonable support for those who serve in public office.

Georgia and Mingrelia under Ottoman Rule

Some provinces of Georgia, which was once called Iberia, and the poor country of Mingrelia were also tributaries of the Turks. Georgia is believed by some writers to have received its name from Saint George, the Cappadocian martyr, who was greatly honored in that land. Over time, parts of these regions fell under the influence and control of the Ottoman Empire.

These countries were not as strong or wealthy as others. Because of their weakness and poverty, they were forced to accept difficult conditions in order to survive. One of these conditions was the payment of tribute to the Grand Signior, or Ottoman Sultan Travel Bulgaria.

A Tribute of Children

Every three years, these provinces sent messengers to the Ottoman court. Their tribute was not only money or goods, but also human beings. They brought seven young boys and seven young virgins each time, in addition to other slaves given as presents to important Ottoman officials.

This was considered their official offering to the Sultan. The Turks accepted this tribute as a sign of loyalty and submission. In many cases, the children were taken from poor families. Over time, this practice became a sad custom. Some parents, out of poverty and desperation, agreed to sell their children. They believed that slavery in a rich empire might offer better opportunities than a life of hunger and hardship at home.

It is reported that some families even saw this as a form of advancement. They hoped their children might rise to better positions within the Ottoman world. However, this does not remove the sorrow and suffering behind such a system.

The Miserable Embassy

When these embassies traveled to the Ottoman court, they came with a large group of attendants, usually seventy or eighty people. The Turks sometimes mockingly called them “beggarly ambassadors” because of their poor appearance and condition.

In order to pay for the costs of the journey, almost everyone in their retinue was offered for sale. Even the secretary and the steward of the embassy might be sold as slaves. The money received helped cover the expenses of travel and provided some income for their homeland.

After selling most of their attendants, the ambassadors returned home with very little dignity or ceremony. Only the interpreter was kept, since he was necessary for communication during the journey.

Poverty and Survival

The situation of Georgia and Mingrelia shows how poverty and weakness can force nations into painful choices. Instead of paying large sums of money, which they did not have, they offered human tribute. This tragic system reflects the harsh political and economic realities of that time.

The Meaning of the “Seven Banners”

This small republic was sometimes called “the Seven Banners.” This name had a special meaning. It suggested that, in order to remain free in name, the people were willing to serve many powerful rulers. They preferred to protect their independence through submission and careful diplomacy rather than through war.

In other words, they accepted the authority of stronger states when necessary. They paid tribute, offered gifts, and showed loyalty to powerful empires. By doing this, they were able to keep their own government and avoid destruction. Though they were small and weak in military strength, they survived by wisdom and patience Holidays Bulgaria.

A Government Built on Jealous Caution

The government of this republic was organized in a very unusual and careful way. It was based on strong suspicion and fear of conspiracy. The leaders believed that if one man held power for too long, he might attempt to betray the city or become too powerful.

For this reason, their chief officer, who was similar to the Doge of Venice, remained in office for only one month. Other officials were changed every week. Even more surprising, the governor of the main castle of the city held his office for only twenty-four hours.

Every night, the Senate secretly chose a new governor for the castle. The chosen man was taken without warning while walking in the streets. A handkerchief was placed over his face, and he was led away blindfolded to the castle. No one knew who would command that night. This strange method prevented conspiracies and secret agreements. Since no one knew who was in charge, it was almost impossible to plan a betrayal.

Trade and Maritime Strength

In earlier times, these people were important traders. They carried goods to many western countries and built large ships for long voyages. It is said that the great ships known as “carracks,” famous for their large size and heavy cargo, may have taken their name from this city. The word might have been a corruption of “Ragusa” or “Ragusies.”

Their port was not naturally perfect. Instead, it was improved by human effort and skill. Through hard work and careful planning, they turned a difficult harbor into a strong center of trade. Commerce, not war, was the true strength of this republic.

Through strict government, careful diplomacy, and successful trade, this small city managed to survive among powerful empires. Its system may have seemed strange, but it helped protect its freedom for many years.

The Tributaries of Georgia and Mingrelia

Georgia and Mingrelia were also among the lands that became tributaries to the Ottoman Empire. These regions were located between powerful empires and often suffered from wars and invasions. Because of their position, they were sometimes under the influence of the Turks, sometimes under Persia, and sometimes divided between both.

When they were subject to the Ottoman Sultan, they were required to pay tribute. This tribute was not always paid only in money. At times it included valuable goods, animals, or other local products. The purpose of this payment was to show loyalty and to secure protection from the Sultan. In return, the Ottomans allowed their local rulers to continue governing, as long as they remained obedient and did not rebel Holidays Bulgaria.

However, their condition was often difficult. Being on the frontier of great empires meant that their lands were frequently disturbed by war. Their people suffered from heavy taxation, military campaigns, and political uncertainty. Tribute was sometimes increased when the Ottoman court needed more revenue or when local rulers were accused of disobedience.

Growth of Trade and Customs Revenue

In some cases, tribute was supported by trade. Goods passing into Ottoman lands provided customs duties that helped supply the required payments. This was especially true for small states that depended more on commerce than on agriculture.

Through trade, certain regions were able to gather enough revenue not only to pay tribute but also to cover other necessities. Customs income became an important source of wealth. This system allowed smaller tributary states to survive without complete destruction of their local economy.

Honor and Reputation at the Ottoman Court

Some tributary states maintained a good reputation at the Ottoman court. Their ambassadors were treated with respect, especially when they paid their tribute regularly and brought suitable gifts. Over time, their appearance and ceremonies became more splendid.

For example, ambassadors once wore simple black velvet caps and crimson satin gowns lined with modest fur. Later, as wealth increased, these garments were lined with finer furs such as sable. Instead of reusing old ceremonial clothing, new and rich outfits were prepared each year at public expense. This showed both prosperity and dignity.

Because of their peaceful and obedient behavior, some of these states earned honorable names among the Turks. They were known as loyal and reliable tributaries.

Survival Through Submission and Diplomacy

Small republics and principalities survived not by military strength, but by careful diplomacy. They submitted when necessary, requested protection from stronger powers, and avoided open conflict whenever possible. They did not seek to offend greater empires, and when they suffered injuries, they endured them patiently.

For this reason, some Italian writers called them “le sette bandiere,” meaning “the seven banners,” suggesting that they could serve under many different rulers if needed. Their skill was not in war, but in negotiation and survival.

In this way, through submission, trade, and careful political balance, these tributary lands managed to exist between powerful empires and preserve their identity.

The Annual Tribute to the Sultan

From the time of the first agreement, the tribute of Ragusa continued without interruption. Every year, in the month of July, two ambassadors were sent to the Ottoman court. They carried the yearly tribute and remained there for one full year. When their term ended, they returned home. At the same time, two new ambassadors arrived with the next payment. In this way, the city always had representatives at the Turkish court.

This yearly mission was not simple or cheap. Besides the fixed tribute, the ambassadors also brought many gifts. These presents were offered to the Prime Vizier, the Chief Eunuch of the Women, the Queen Mother, and other important members of the Sultan’s household. The cost of these gifts, together with the expenses of travel, residence, and ceremony, was very high. In total, the yearly expense was calculated to be about twenty thousand zechins Holidays Bulgaria.

Although this was a heavy financial burden, the leaders of Ragusa considered it necessary. They believed that regular tribute and respectful gifts would keep peace with the Ottoman Empire and protect their small state from danger.

Hard Times Before the Venetian War

In earlier times, especially before the great war between the Republic of Venice and the Turks, Ragusa was not a rich city. Its territory was small and not very fertile. Trade was limited, and the people had to struggle to collect enough money for the Ottoman tribute. They used many careful methods and strict financial plans to gather the required sums each year.

The burden of tribute was heavy, and sometimes it placed the government under great pressure. However, they continued to pay faithfully, knowing that failure could bring serious consequences.

Growth Through Trade

The war between Venice and the Ottoman Empire changed the situation. This conflict opened new commercial opportunities for Ragusa. Because of its position and its peaceful relations with the Turks, the city became an important port for trade.

Manufactured goods from Venice and other parts of Italy began to pass through Ragusa on their way to Ottoman lands. The city became a safe channel for commerce between Christian Europe and the Muslim East. This increase in trade brought new wealth to the city.

As a result, Ragusa was better able to meet its financial obligations. What was once a heavy and difficult tribute became more manageable. Through careful diplomacy, wise trade policies, and steady loyalty to the Ottoman court, Ragusa strengthened its position and ensured its survival among far greater powers.

Ragusa Seeks Ottoman Protection

Before the final fall of the Greek Empire, the leaders of Ragusa took an important political step. They sent ambassadors with valuable gifts to Sultan Orhan (called Orcbanes in old texts). Their purpose was clear. They wished to become tributaries of the Sultan. In return, they hoped to strengthen their weak commonwealth under the protection of his powerful rule.

At that time, the Ottoman state was growing, but it was still at some distance from Ragusa. Because of this distance, the Sultan had little reason to see them as a threat. It is very likely that he received their ambassadors kindly. Since Ragusa was not yet close to Ottoman military power, their offer of tribute was seen as useful and peaceful Holidays Bulgaria.

The rulers of Ragusa understood their situation well. They were a small state surrounded by stronger powers. Instead of waiting for danger, they chose to act wisely and secure protection before they truly needed it.

The Agreement and the Tribute

After negotiations, the tribute was fixed at twelve thousand and five hundred zechins each year. This was a large sum of money, but the leaders of Ragusa believed it was a fair price for safety and independence. Once the agreement was settled, the ambassadors returned home. They carried with them promises of protection and many signs of courtesy from the Sultan.

Sultan Orhan agreed to formal articles with Ragusa. He granted them the immunities and privileges they requested. These likely included freedom in trade, local self-government, and protection from attack. In this way, Ragusa became a tributary state but kept its internal independence.

The Sultan’s Hand as a Seal

One detail of this agreement is especially interesting. In those days, official documents were not always sealed in the modern way. Instead of signing with a written signature, Sultan Orhan placed his whole hand in ink and pressed it onto the paper. This handprint served as his firm seal and signature.

Among the Turks, this mark was respected with great honor. It was considered a sacred and powerful sign of authority. The document was valued and preserved carefully. The respect given to it was compared to the way the Jewish people honor the Tablets of the Law.

Through this wise agreement, Ragusa secured peace and protection. By diplomacy instead of war, the small commonwealth ensured its survival for many generations.

The Ancient Name of Ragusa

The city of Ragusa was known in ancient times by the name Epidauros. There were also two other cities with the same name in the region of the Peloponnese in Greece. However, this particular Epidauros was destroyed when the Goths invaded the area. The city was laid waste, and its people were forced to leave their homes.

After the Goths departed, the inhabitants returned to the ruins of their former city. Instead of rebuilding it under the old name, they decided to establish a new city with a new foundation. They called it Ragusa. This new beginning marked an important moment in their history. It was not only the rebuilding of walls and houses, but also the start of a new political and social life.

An Ancient Commonwealth

The government of Ragusa was formed as a commonwealth. In fact, its system of government was even older than that of Venice. While Venice became famous for its strong navy and wide territories, Ragusa survived in a different way. It did not rely on military strength. Instead, it depended on wisdom, careful planning, and submission to powerful protectors Holidays Bulgaria.

The leaders of Ragusa understood that their small state could not defend itself by force alone. Therefore, they chose to protect their freedom by forming alliances and showing loyalty to stronger rulers. This policy allowed them to preserve their independence for many centuries.

Friendship with the Turks

Long before the Ottoman Empire became powerful in Europe, the people of Ragusa sought friendship with the Turks. According to their own records, this decision was influenced by the advice of a holy nun, who was respected as a saint among them. She is said to have predicted the future greatness of the Turkish Empire. She advised that the best way for Ragusa to remain free and prosperous was to submit to one of the most successful and powerful princes of the age.

Believing in her prophecy, the rulers of Ragusa sent two ambassadors to the city of Bursa (then called Vrusa), which was at that time the royal seat of the Ottoman rulers. By doing this, they hoped to secure protection and long-lasting peace. Through wisdom and careful diplomacy, this small city managed to survive among much stronger powers.

Military Duties of the Princes

The princes of the three provinces mentioned before were not only required to pay tribute to the Grand Signior, but they were also obliged to serve him in his wars. Whenever the Sultan summoned them, they had to send soldiers and give military support.

The exact number of troops they were to provide, and the way in which they were to serve, depended on agreements made between the Sultan and each prince. Sometimes they sent cavalry, sometimes infantry, and at other times they offered supplies and provisions for the Ottoman army. The details of these military duties properly belong to a fuller discussion of the Turkish military system and its auxiliaries. For now, it is enough to say that these provinces were not only financial supporters of the Ottoman Empire but also military allies who strengthened the Sultan’s power during times of war Bulgaria Tours.

The City and Dominion of Ragusa

Another state that paid tribute to the Turks was the city and small dominion of Ragusa. This was a small commonwealth, but it was not officially recognized as a republic by powerful states such as Venice or by the Pope. Instead, it was simply called the “Community of Ragusa.”

Ragusa was a town in Dalmatia. Although small, it held an important position along the Adriatic Sea. Its territory was narrow and mostly barren, with only a few villages under its control. The land stretched along the sea coast for more than 150 miles, though much of it was thin and rocky. It also possessed a few small islands, but these were of little importance and had no great wealth or strength.

A Small but Skillful State

Even though Ragusa was small in size and poor in natural resources, it survived by careful diplomacy and trade. By paying tribute to the Ottoman Empire, it secured protection and freedom to manage its own internal affairs. This allowed the city to continue its commercial activities without fear of invasion.

Thus, Ragusa stands as an example of how even a small and weak territory could maintain its existence between powerful neighbors by wisely balancing tribute, loyalty, and independence.