The Vrecopentian Tartars live in Taurica Chersonesus, now known as Crimea. The main city there is Theodosia, today called Cafa. The Stagantian Tartars live by the Palus Meotis, between the Volga and Tanais rivers. These groups count as subjects—or at least close allies—of the Ottoman Empire.
Only the city of Cafa, out of all these lands, is directly under Turkish control and government. In my view, Cafa serves as a warning post and a guarantee of their loyalty. The Han, or prince, of this country is elected. But he must come from the true royal family line. The Grand Signior—the Ottoman Sultan—always confirms the choice. The Sultan also claims the power to remove a Han. He can replace a lazy father with his son or the next in line. This happens if the Han fails to send troops for war or shows any disrespect to the Ottoman court.
The Current Han and His Path to Power
The present Han, Mahomet Ghirei (the family surname), followed the custom of the eldest son. While his father lived, he stayed as a hostage in the Turkish town of Janboli. This place is in Thrace, four days’ journey from Adrianople. It sits on the Euxine, or Black Sea Balkan Tours.
Later, due to fears of him being too close to his homeland, they moved him to Rhodes. There, he lived a quiet, sad life until his father died. Then, he was called back to Constantinople. They girded him with a sword, and he swore loyalty to the Grand Signior. He went through all the usual ceremonies for a royal start.
Tensions and Refusal of Old Customs
Once settled in his kingdom, Mahomet Ghirei remembered his hard times on Rhodes. He resented the pride of the Ottoman Emperor. With advice from Poles and nearby Tartars, he saw it as shameful. Why should such an old and strong people send their heir as a hostage to neighbors?
So, this prince refused that part of submission. The Vizier Kupriuli complained about it many times. But with no way to fix it, he chose to ignore the issue for now.
Broader Context of Ottoman-Tartar Ties
This setup shows the clever politics of the Turks. They kept control without full conquest. Cafa acted like a key fortress, ensuring aid in wars. The Han’s election from one family kept things stable, but the Sultan’s approval meant real power stayed in Istanbul.
Mahomet Ghirei’s story highlights cracks in this system. Hostages built loyalty but bred resentment. By the 17th century, when this was written, Crimean Tartars were vital Ottoman allies against Russia and Poland. They raided for slaves and troops. Yet, leaders like Ghirei pushed for more independence.
Kupriuli, a powerful vizier under Sultan Mehmed IV, focused on reform. He tolerated the hostage refusal to avoid war. It was smart—picking battles wisely kept the alliance alive.
Today, we see echoes in modern Crimea. Once Tartar heartland, it’s now disputed between Ukraine and Russia. History reminds us how empires used pledges and customs to hold far lands.