The Ottoman rule and local powers in the province of Sidon (1700-1775)

There was a significant progress in bureaucratic organization in parallel to the increase in political and economic influence of local powers in the 18th century. The fiscal organization showed its influence on the definition and control of the local powers in the provinces. In this context, thanks to mukataa system local powers in the province of Sidon were included in proceseses and patterns as a result of their interaction with the government and its governors. Thus possibilities for transforming local powers into the local brokers increased. The local powers increased their influence in their territories thanks to the status and authority which were provided by mukataa system. One of the reasons behind the struggle among families in the region in the 18th century was the motivation for exploitation from regional economic development. Another consideration was the desire for administrative-fiscal positions that the government provided. Zâhir al-Omar and his family, Zayâdınah, was an ally for Metuali families in their struggle with Shihabs. Governors of Sidon tried to transform these local powers into local brokers in the function of mukataa system which they obliged to implement in the region. Governors of Damascus considered these local powers, especially Zâhir al-Omar, as obstacles for spreading their influence.