Impact of the Changes in the Administrative and Territorial Structure of the Ottoman Empire on the Development of Cities in the Bulgarian Lands During the 19th Century (Until 1878)

Abstract

During the 19th century, significant changes occurred in the administrative and territorial structure of the Balkan provinces of the Ottoman Empire. The article analyzes the impact that these changes have had on the development of cities in the Bulgarian lands under Ottoman rule. The administrative rise of cities, such as Plovdiv, Bitola, and Ruschuk (Ruse), stimulated their economic and demographic development instead of other urban centres that were important in the past, such as Sofia, Nikopol, and Silistra. At the local level, the changes in the Ottoman administrative system have also had a significant impact, contributing to the upward development of settlements proclaimed as cities in the Stara Planina, Sredna Gora, and Sub-Balkan regions, such as Gabrovo, Koprivshtitsa, Panagyurishte, etc.