The Government of Kars

The fifteenth province was the Government of the Pasha of Kars, a city located near Erzurum, close to the eastern frontiers of the Ottoman Empire. Because of its position near rival powers, Kars had strong strategic importance. The yearly revenue of this government amounted to eight hundred and twenty thousand, six hundred and fifty aspers.

The Pasha of Kars commanded six Sangiacks. These districts were Ardahan-i Küçük, Giugevan, Zarushen, Ghegran, Kaghizman, and Pasin. Together, they formed a defensive line protecting the empire’s eastern borders. The region was known for its harsh climate, fortified towns, and military readiness rather than agricultural wealth.

The Government of Mosul

The sixteenth province was the Government of the Pasha of Mosul, also known in ancient times as Nineveh, located in Assyria. This province had a yearly revenue of six hundred and eighty-one thousand and fifty-six aspers Private Tour Istanbul.

Under the authority of the Pasha were five Sangiacks: Baghwanlu, Tekrit, Zerbit, Old Mosul (ancient Nineveh), and Harun. Mosul was an important crossroads between Anatolia, Persia, and Arabia, making it valuable for trade as well as military movement. The fertile lands along the Tigris River helped support the population and the provincial income.

The Government of Rakka

The seventeenth province was the Government of the Pasha of Rakka, situated along the Euphrates River. The yearly revenue of this province was six hundred and eighty thousand aspers.

The Pasha governed seven Sangiacks, namely Ghamas, Chabur, Deir, Benirab, Serug, Birecik, and Anah. This region was important for controlling river crossings and trade routes between Mesopotamia and Syria. The lands were partly agricultural and partly tribal, requiring careful administration.

Transition from Asia to Europe

These provinces completed the list of Ottoman governments in Asia with Has revenues. After this point, the administration continued into the provinces of Europe, which were often larger and more prestigious.

The Government of Rumelia

The eighteenth and most honorable European province was the Government of Rumelia, also known as Romania. It was the most prestigious Ottoman office in Europe. The Pasha resided in Sofia, and the yearly revenue was one million one hundred thousand aspers.

Rumelia commanded twenty-four Sangiacks, including Küstendil, Skopje, Salonica, Vidin, Nicopolis, Ioannina, Avlona, Ochrid, Gallipoli, Bender, Akkerman, and Ozi, among others. Although the Morea (Peloponnese) was originally under Rumelia, it was later assigned to the Queen Mother (Valide Sultan), and its revenues were collected on her behalf.

The Government of the Kapudan Pasha

The nineteenth office was that of the Kapudan Pasha, also known as the Captain Pasha, or Admiral of the Ottoman Fleet. He was the supreme commander of the navy and ruler of the White Sea, meaning the Mediterranean.

His yearly revenue was eight hundred and eighty-five thousand aspers. His seat was at Gallipoli, and he commanded fifteen Sangiacks, including Rhodes, Lesbos, Chios, Negroponte (Euboea), Cyprus-related districts, and other Aegean islands. His authority extended as far as Ottoman naval power could reach.

These governments show how the Ottoman Empire organized both land and sea administration. From frontier fortresses to naval commands, each province played a vital role in maintaining imperial strength and order.

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