The Bosnian province in the Ottoman administration between two wars (1739-1768)

This study focuses on the historical section of the Bosnian province, which remained under Turkish rule for more than four centuries, between 1739 and 1768. Although Bosnia, one of the most important provinces of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkan Peninsula, was calm for a while after the Ottoman-Austrian-Russian War (1736-1739), a major rebellion broke out towards the middle of the 18th century. As a result, this study has shown that the local ruling class who abused their duties and some rebels who declared themselves janissaries played an important role in the emergence of this rebellion. The central government and the local ruling class had great difficulty in suppressing the rebellion, and the existing administration in the province became dysfunctional. For this reason, the rebellion continued for about ten years with intervals. In the years following the suppression of the rebellion, state authority was restored in Bosnia and the province became relatively peaceful. In the period under review, there were many incidents that disturbed public order on the Austrian and Venetian frontiers of the province. In solving these problems, diplomatic means were preferred and a conciliatory policy was followed. Bosnian governors also had to deal with the rebellions in Montenegro during these years. Although the Montenegro rebels were subdued by military operations organised from Bosnia to the region, the Montenegrins, taking advantage of the military withdrawal, raised the flag of rebellion again each time. This study sheds light not only on the political and social developments in the province of Bosnia during this period. At the same time, the administrative, military, religious, cultural and economic structures and architectural activities in the province have been analysed. Key Words: Ottoman Empire, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Bosnian province, Balkans, 18th century.