The people described in this text are the Tatars, who were considered close allies and almost like brothers to the Turks of the Ottoman Empire. According to an ancient agreement, if the Ottoman ruling family ever had no male heir, the Tatar ruler could claim the empire. Although this possibility was very distant and almost imaginary, it still had an important effect. It helped keep the Tatar ruler loyal and respectful toward the Ottoman Sultan.
This situation can be compared to a young man who hopes to inherit a large estate. Even if the inheritance is uncertain, the hope of gaining it makes him obedient and polite to the older man who may leave him his property. In the same way, the Tatar ruler remained loyal to the Ottoman Sultan because of the small but important possibility of future power.
Obedience and Communication
The Tatar ruler, known as the Khan, was obedient to the Ottoman Sultan just like other subjects of the empire. However, the Sultan did not rule the Tatars in the same direct way as he ruled other provinces. Instead of giving direct commands, he managed relations through official letters Balkan Tours.
These letters were very powerful. They carried the will and authority of the Grand Signior (another title for the Ottoman Sultan). Even though they were not always formal imperial decrees with official seals and signatures, they were treated as valid and binding orders. In this way, the Sultan maintained influence over the Tatar lands without constant direct control.
Military Obligations of the Tatars
There was also a clear military agreement between the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Tatary. According to this old agreement, whenever the Sultan personally led the army to war, the Tatar Khan was required to join him in person. He had to bring a large force of one hundred thousand soldiers.
If the Sultan did not go himself and instead sent the Grand Vizier or another general to lead the campaign, the Tatar Khan’s duty was lighter. In that case, he needed to send forty or fifty thousand soldiers. These troops were usually led by his son or by an important officer of his kingdom. The Tatar soldiers were not paid regular wages by the Ottoman treasury. Instead, they supported themselves through the booty and plunder they gained during war.
The Tatar Raids in 1669
In the year 1669, during the war between the Ottoman Empire and Hungary, the Tatars were called to support the Ottoman army. They carried out large and destructive raids into Hungary, as well as into Moravia and Silesia. They attacked many cities and towns, burning and looting as they advanced.
During these campaigns, the Tatars captured and carried away a great number of people as prisoners. These raids spread fear across the region and showed how powerful and mobile the Tatar cavalry could be. Their actions played an important role in supporting Ottoman military efforts, even though they often acted with great violence.
The relationship between the Ottoman Empire and the Tatars was based on ancient agreements, shared interests, and military cooperation. Although the Tatars had a certain level of independence, they remained loyal to the Sultan. Their hope of possible future inheritance and their duty to provide military support kept them closely tied to the Ottoman state. Through letters, agreements, and joint military campaigns, this alliance remained strong for many years.