In earlier times, the Tatars were known for their simple and hard way of life. They lived in modest huts and wore plain woolen cloaks. However, after bringing great riches from their wars in Poland and earning large profits from the slave markets, some of them began to change their lifestyle.
With their new wealth, many Tatars gave up their simple clothing and began to wear expensive furs, such as sable. Others, who were more careful with their money, chose to build proper houses instead of living in poor huts. This showed that wealth was slowly changing their traditional way of life.
Yet not all used their riches wisely. Some became wasteful and careless. They spent their money on strong alcoholic drinks and on a popular drink called “Boza,” which was made from a type of grain. When drunk in large amounts, it could cause intoxication. This drink later became common among the Turks as well. Some Tatars gave themselves over to heavy eating and drinking. They lived in idleness, caring only for a full stomach and an easy life, without discipline or moderation Balkan Tours.
The End of the Tatar Discussion
This is enough to explain the relationship between the Tatars and the Ottoman government. Their political position, customs, and daily life have been described in greater detail in other books. What is clear is that they were both useful allies and dangerous neighbors, serving the Ottoman Empire in war while also living by raiding and trade.
The Tributary Princes of the Ottoman Empire
The strength of an empire is not measured only by the number of provinces it controls or the many governors and officials it appoints. It is also measured by the number of rulers who pay tribute to it. These tributary princes keep part of their lands and wealth, but they must give a large portion to a stronger power in order to avoid destruction.
Such was the case with the rulers of Moldavia, Wallachia, Transylvania, and Ragusa. These lands were caught between powerful neighbors: the Emperor of Germany, the King of Poland, and the Ottoman Sultan. For many years, they suffered from long wars and constant fighting. They were also weakened by internal conflicts and betrayal among their own leaders.
In the end, exhausted and divided, they surrendered themselves to the protection and control of the Ottoman Empire. Although they were not fully conquered provinces, they became tributary states. They had to pay heavy taxes and obey the Sultan’s demands. Their situation was often very difficult, and they were among the most oppressed of all the Sultan’s subjects.
Like Bees and Sheep
The condition of these provinces can be compared to bees and sheep. The Ottoman ruler allowed them to live and work, but mainly for his own benefit. Like bees that produce honey and sheep that give wool, these lands were valued for the wealth they produced. Their taxes and payments were carefully collected.
If their obedience was ever doubted, the Sultan could even allow Tatar raids into their lands. The Tatars would carry away goods and captives, and later sell some of these same people as slaves within the Ottoman territories. In this way, the suffering of these provinces could become even greater.
The Former Dacians
These three provinces were once part of ancient Dacia. In Roman times, the Dacians were known as brave and warlike people. Roman writers such as Virgil and Juvenal mentioned their strength and courage. They resisted Roman power for a long time before finally being defeated.
Over the centuries, however, their independence was lost. Surrounded by powerful empires and weakened by internal problems, they became tributaries of the Ottoman Sultan, paying for peace with their wealth and freedom.