The services of XVIIIth century Ottoman proconsuls as the Hajj Emirate

Hajj is an obligatory code of Islam and can be carried out only on 9-10 Dhu'l-Hijja. In regard to conditions of the day and distance of their living places, Muslims could reach to the Holy Cities, Mecca and Medina after a long journey taking many weeks and months. In the first quarter of XVIth century, the Hajj became the most preliminiary duty of Ottoman State because of the entrance of the Holy Cities to the Ottoman sovereignity and presentation of the title of Servant of Holy Cities to the Ottoman Sultans by the Mecca Emirate. A great majority of the hajj journey was performed by land either riding animals or walking. In addition to this, the geographic and demographic conditions of the route between Damascus and Medina increased the difficulties of the hajj journey. Ottoman state made the city of Damascus as an administrative and political center of the region in such circumstances. From 1120/1708 on, the proconsuls of Damascus were assigned to the Hajj Emirates having great incomes, authority and long-lasting times. Thus, the needs of pilgrims and hajj route were supplied more easily. Also the security precautions were raised to the highest level by giving Jarda troops under the command of Damascus proconsuls.