Effects of the Conversion of Timars to Mukataa in Crete on Ottoman Budget Balance and Revenues Accruing to Treasury

Abstract

Crete became part of the Ottoman territory in mid-17th century. This was a period of transformations in the Ottoman system during which the traditional institutions, underwent significant changes. Three registries (tahrir) were compiled on the island of Crete. The first registry was compiled in 1650 before the conquest of Candia. In this registry, which exactly reflected the Ottoman classical registry tradition, the tımars of the sultan, the beylerbeyis, vakıf lands and private property plots as well as tımars of the zeamet holders and sipahis were registered. After Crete was brought completely under the Ottoman rule, a new registry was made on the island in 1670, and quite different tımar and tax regulations were implemented. For 30-35 years following the conquest of the island mukataas gradually expanded to the detriment of the tımars. Finally in 1705, this expansion was concluded when all tımars became mukataas and as such part of havass-ı hümayun while some of the zeamets were maintained. In our study, we will examine this process where tımars evolved into mukataas based on registry books, financial records and the religious records of Crete, in order to see it in terms of the revenue provided to the central treasury.