Different Policies for Old and New Lands
It is important to explain another point of Ottoman policy. While the Turks believed it was useful to keep some
The Strategic Advantage of Empty Lands
Another important advantage of keeping certain regions thinly populated was military defense. If a foreign enemy tried to enter the
Absolute Obedience to the Sultan
Another result of this strict system of government was the complete obedience shown to the Grand Signior, or Sultan. Great
The Principles of Turkish Policy
The Ottoman Empire was ruled by methods very different from those of many European states. The Turks governed their lands
The Desolation of Asia and the Strength of the Ottoman Empire
At first sight, it may seem strange to say that the destruction and ruin which the Turks made in their
The Emperor of Germany and the Ottoman Tribute
The Emperor of Germany may also be described, in a certain sense, as a tributary to the Ottoman Empire. We
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
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
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
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