Among the great provinces of the Ottoman Empire, the first and most important is Anatolia, which in ancient times was called Asia Minor. Later it came to be known as Anatolia, a name that refers to its eastern position in relation to Greece. Because of its size, wealth, and population, this province held a central place in the administration of the empire.
According to the official registers of the Grand Signior, known as the Old Canon, the yearly revenue of Anatolia amounted to one million aspers. This income was paid into the Sultan’s treasury and formed a stable and reliable source of imperial wealth.
The Government of Anatolia
The Beglerbeg of Anatolia exercised authority over fourteen Sangiacks, or districts. His official residence was at Kiotahi, located in the region of ancient Phrygia. From this city, he governed a wide territory that included many well-known districts Private Tour Istanbul.
The Sangiacks under his command were Magnesia, Saruhan, Aydin, Kastamonu, Hüdavendigâr, Bolu, Menteşe, Angora (also called Ancyra), Karahisar, Kütahya, Kiangri, Hamid, Sultan Öyüğü, and Karesi. In addition to these districts, the Beglerbeg also had authority over twenty castles, which were important for military defense and the maintenance of order.
This wide jurisdiction made the Beglerbeg of Anatolia one of the most powerful provincial governors in the empire.
The Province of Caramania
The second great province was Caramania, which in ancient times was known as Cilicia. This region is especially important in Ottoman history because it was the last province to resist Ottoman rule under the princes of the Caramanian dynasty. Eventually, however, it too was conquered as the Ottoman Empire expanded.
The annual revenue of Caramania was 660,074 aspers, making it a wealthy and valuable province. Under its jurisdiction were seven Sangiacks, which were governed in the name of the Sultan by local officials.
Districts and Fortresses of Caramania
The principal city of Caramania was Iconium, also called Konya, which served as the seat of the Beglerbeg. The other Sangiacks were Cappadocia, Niğde, Kayseri (formerly Caesarea), Yenişehir, Kırşehir, Akşehir, and Aksaray.
This province contained several strongholds essential for defense. There were three main castles directly under the Beglerbeg’s control, located at Iconium, Larende, and Mendui. In addition, seventeen other castles were scattered throughout the Sangiacks.
Importance of These Provinces
Both Anatolia and Caramania played a crucial role in the strength and stability of the Ottoman Empire. Their revenues supported the treasury, their castles protected the land, and their governors held great authority in maintaining imperial order.