Demography and settlement in Paşa Sancağı Sol-Kol Region according to Muhasebe-i Vilayet-i Rumeli Defteri dated 1530

Abstract

The thesis analyzes democraphic and settlement features of Paşa Sancağı Sol-Kol region, which covers the ancient Via Egnatia route, mainly in accordance with Muhasebe-i Vilayet-i Rumeli Defteri dated 1530 numbered 167. For the purpose of founding a basis for the explanation of the demographic and settlement structure, the geographical and climatic conditions of the region and the nomadic type of living are told. Using some of the fiscal surveys (tahrirs) of the region from the fifteenth century, the demographic conditions and the Turkish settlement in the region is revealed including other elements of settlement process together with the nomadic people (Yörüks). The administrative structure of the Sol-Kol is mentioned to be able to observe a general picture. Then, the demographic situation and the yörük preence in the region in the sixteenth century are evaluated.