Administrative Officials in the Classic Period Ottoman Provincial Organization

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of Ottoman cities and urban administrators, exploring how they were shaped under the influence of pre-Ottoman Turkish-Islamic states. Emphasizing that cities were multifunctional settlements, the study highlights how these functional activities manifested differently in the Ottoman administration. The success of the Ottoman State in accommodating diverse religious and ethnic structures is attributed to the sensitive organization of the provincial administration under the central authority. However, the study reveals a significant decline in the duties and activities of urban administrators during the Tanzimat Period. In the conclusion section, it is noted that Ottoman urban administrators were actively engaged with the central authority during the classic period, fulfilling their duties. However, with the advent of the Tanzimat Period, a noticeable decline and setbacks in the activities of these administrators were observed. The study suggests that a more in-depth investigation into the underlying causes of these setbacks is necessary, as understanding the impact of changes in a specific period can shed light on the broader effects on Ottoman society and the administrative system. Additionally, a more detailed examination of the historical evolution of Ottoman urban administrators can contribute to a better understanding of the political and social dynamics of this era.