The Yörüks of Ottoman Western Thrace in the sixteenth century
Author(s)
Advisor
Date
2013Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
This study essentially questions the nature of the yörük population in
Ottoman western Thrace through an examination of fiscal and military registers of
the sixteenth century. Firstly, through a discussion of the terminology used for
mobile social groups in other disciplines, such as anthropology and geography, it is
revealed that there is no terminological consensus, but rather a variety within and
among the terms used. In parallel with this theoretical background, it is argued that
the concept of variety occupied an important role in yörüks’ ways of life in the
region in question. This is also reflected in the manners in which they were
registered, though a different manner of registration did not necessarily signify a
different way of life. In this particular sphere, the yörük groups examined are those
of the districts of Demürhisar, Drama, Yenice-i Karasu, and Gümülcine.
Next, the military nature of these yörüks is analyzed. The origins and
formation of the yörük organization in Rumelia are discussed through the case of
western Thrace. Similarities with and differences from other auxiliary forces are
also investigated in connection with the question of origins and formation. The
regulations issued for the yörüks as a military group and the changes that occurred
over time are looked at so as to be able to see any differentiation. The extent of
militarization among the yörüks in the region is evaluated through the classical
fiscal surveys and the yörük registers, with a revisional approach to the literature
being taken. Within this scope, the nature of the yörük registers is questioned, and
the correlation between registered and unregistered yörüks is revealed.
Keywords
yörükOttoman Rumelia
western Thrace
eastern Macedonia
Demürhisar
Drama
Yenice-i Karasu
Gümülcine
the yörük organization
defter-i yörükân
nomadism
transhumance