The eighth great province of the Ottoman Empire was the government of the Pasha of Çıldır, located on the frontier of Georgia. Because of its position near the border, this province was important for defense and control of the northern lands.
The yearly revenue of Çıldır amounted to nine hundred and twenty-five thousand aspers. Under the authority of the Pasha were nine Sangiacks, which were Olti, Hartus, Ardahan, Erdehanburg, Hagre, Posof (also called Pusenhal), Machgil, Iğdır, and Penbek. These districts formed a strong frontier region, guarding the empire against foreign incursions. The administration here was largely military in nature, and the governors were expected to maintain order and readiness at all times.
The Province of Scheherizor
The ninth province was Scheherizor, located in Assyria. This province was wide and fertile, and therefore valuable to the empire. The Pasha of Scheherizor had a yearly revenue of one million aspers Private Tour Istanbul.
Under his command were twenty Sangiacks, including Suruj, Erbil, Koyshak, Shehribazar, Chabkittle, Goptamrin, Hezermard, Dulchuran, Merghitane, Haninudevin, Aghjur, Neitutari, Sepeuzengire, Ebruvan, Tavudan, Badebereud, Belkas, Vicheni, Garikulo, and Renghene. Because of the large number of districts, this was one of the most extensive provincial governments in the empire. The Pasha ruled over many peoples and tribes, and his authority was necessary to keep peace in a diverse region.
The Province of Aleppo
The tenth province was Aleppo, a famous and wealthy city known for trade. The yearly revenue of this government was eight hundred and seventeen thousand, seven hundred and seventy-two aspers.
Aleppo commanded seven Sangiacks under the Has system: Adana, Ayntab, Kilis, Birecik, Ma‘arra, Gazir, and Balkh. In addition, it governed two Saliane districts, Latakia and Turkomania. These Saliane districts were different, as they had no Timariots, and every inhabitant was considered master of his own land. The revenue here was farmed out rather than collected directly. The province of Aleppo contained five castles, which protected the region and trade routes.
The Province of Marash
The eleventh province was Marash, near the River Euphrates, situated between Mesopotamia and Aleppo. The Turks also called this region Zulkadriye.
Its yearly revenue was six hundred and twenty-eight thousand, four hundred and fifty aspers. The Pasha of Marash commanded four Sangiacks only, which were Malatya, A‘zab, Kars, and Samsat. This province had four castles, serving mainly for local defense.
The Province of Cyprus
The twelfth province was Cyprus, also called Kibros. Being an island, it had a different character from the mainland provinces.
The revenue of Cyprus was five hundred thousand, six hundred and fifty aspers. It governed seven Sangiacks. Of these, four were under the Has system, namely İçel, Tarsus, Alanya, and Silifke. The other three were Saliane districts, which were Kyrenia, Baf (Paphos), and Famagusta.
The Pasha resided at Larnaca, also called Lefkoşa. The island contained fourteen castles, which were essential for its defense against attacks by sea.
These provinces show the wide reach and varied administration of the Ottoman Empire. From frontier lands to trading cities and islands, each government was organized according to its geography, people, and military needs, all serving the power of the Sultan.