Migration and Exile in the Ottoman Empire in the 18th Century (1700-1789)

This study examines the migration and exile movements that occurred in the Ottoman Empire during the 18th century. The Ottoman Empire's vast geography and its diverse ethnic and religious groups created a context for intense migration and exile events due to various reasons in this century. Wars, rebellions, natural disasters, and economic hardships were the main factors leading to the displacement of people. In particular, the Ottoman-Russian wars and the uprisings in the Balkans caused significant population movements. Communities such as the Crimean Tatars and Balkan Muslims migrated en masse towards Ottoman territories due to the impact of these wars. The state attempted to manage these migrations through settlement policies, determining the settlement locations for the newcomers. However, this process occasionally led to problems and conflicts with the local population. Exile, on the other hand, was a method employed by the state to maintain its authority and remove dissident elements. Political criminals, rebels, and in some cases, entire communities were exiled to different regions of the empire. These exiles profoundly affected the social and economic lives of those exiled. The migration and exile movements experienced in the 18th century significantly altered the demographic structure, economic balances, and social relations of the Ottoman Empire. The state's settlement policies and exile practices can be seen as efforts to demonstrate the power of the central authority. The aim of this study is to analyze the internal and external dynamics of migration and exile in the 18th century Ottoman Empire and to reveal the effects of these movements on Ottoman society and the state.