Ottoman timar system in the age of military transformation (1645-1739)

This dissertation is monographic research on the quantity, quality, and dissemination of Ottoman timar system between 1645 and 1739 which was the age of last Ottoman land acquirements. Timar system was a fundamental institution which had existed since the first stages of Ottoman empire, expands with it and which, until the XVIIth century, covers almost half of the army and tax resources. Size and capacity of the system came under question in 17th century which was shaped by the phenomenon of military transformation. However, it is known that the system subsisted until 19th century. Hence, a big question emerges: how did it pass the compelling challenges of 17th century? Examination of various sides of this question is the backbone of this study. In that manner, majority of the thesis follows the fiscal magnitude of the timar, region by region, in just the beginning of the 18th century. Locating timar in fiscal area, is important as it contains results regarding relationship between monetization and military transformation and regarding contextual dynamism of the rural administration. Another problem that the study deals with is the quantity and circumstance of timariot soldiers in the army between 1645-1739. As the outcome of the endeavour on these subjects, the study made discoveries on the agminal size and power of timar. Analysis of battle forms, financial powers, gears and equipment of timariot soldiers of this period is remarkable in the sense of clarifying the figure of timariot cavalry in the mind and positioning the timar in the issue of military transformation.