Bolu and banditry in Bolu According to Muhimme Defters (from 1553 to 1585)

Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, was in process of a regress due to economical problems as the result of Austria and Iran military expeditions, the change in the trade routes, the rise in population and the sociological outcomes of this rise and finally due to the curroption of the education system. Timar, a Turkish fiefdom in the time of the Ottoman Empire, was the main system for the land domination but exposed to decay because of the Celali riots and heavy taxes. What is more, strong reforms to rehabilitate the bad situation were lacking.The muhimme defters for 16th century Bolu gives important illuminating hints on Ottoman empire`s situation during the period. Especially the rise in the number of bandity reports is one of the remarkable features. As in other cities in the empire, these bandities had deeply effected the socio economic life and caused discomfort for the locals. Despite the efforts of the state against these bandits, the peace had not been achieved in the region most of the time and this caused the authority lose its power.This research consists of evaluation and summaries of scanning of the muhimme defters between 1553-1585 in Bolu and of the provision number 302 together with transcripted texts of thirty five of these povisions which are directly related to banditry.Key words: Bolu, Muhimme Defters, Banditry