XVI. Yüzyılda Sincar Sancağı

Abstract

This study seeks to provide a comprehensive examination of the administrative, demographic, and socio-economic structure of Sinjar, a region that came under Ottoman control after the 1514 Battle of Çaldıran and remained subordinate as one of its sanjaks, to the Diyarbekir Vilayet until the late 16th century. The study also examines how Ottoman administration manifested itself in the provinces to what extent a sanjak defined as “classical” in administrative terms conformed to this definition and to reveal the local dynamics that shaped it and their interactions. In order to accomolish these objectives the study draws on various archival sources primarily tahrir registers as well as mühimme, ruus, and timar-zeamet ruznamçe registers. We categorised the data obtained from these sources, then analysed the structure of the Sanjak during the relevant period. On the basis of these sources, the population structure of the sanjak and the processes of change and transformation in its settlement system were examined, with particular attention paid to notable aspects of these developments. In light of the findings the sanjak’s demographic and settlement structure, agricultural productivity and the influence of geographical and climatic factors on these were taken into account. The study also examines the implementation of the timar system, the distribution and nature of timar assignments, the identities and revenues of timar holders, the tribal assets recorded within the sanjak, and the sanjakbeys who served during the period under consideration. These findings are further evaluated within the broader framework of Sinjar’s administrative organization and its position within the provincial structure of the Ottoman Empire. The findings of the study indicate that, owing to Sinjar’s distinctive geographical characteristics and unique social dynamics and within the context of the period and issues examined, the sanjak differed to some extent from the classical Ottoman sanjak. Furthermore, since the period in question represented a process of integrating the sanjak into the Ottoman system, distinctive conditions emerged during this process. Morever it was observed that, throughout the 16th century, the demographic structure, settlement pattern and economic condition of the sanjak underwent parallel changes.