The following account of Moldavia’s tribute was reported by a man who had worked for many years as an agent for the Voivode (Prince) of Moldavia and Wallachia under Ottoman authority. According to his information, the yearly tribute paid by Moldavia was as follows:
To the Grand Signior (Sultan): 120 purses of money. Each purse contained 500 dollars, making a total of 60,000 dollars per year.
10,000 okes of wax, each oke equal to about two and a half English pounds Private Tours Balkan.
10,000 okes of honey.
600 quintals of tallow for use in the Imperial Arsenal.
500 ox hides.
500 pieces of canvas, used for clothing, shirts for slaves, and other needs of the galleys.
1,330 okes of wax for the service of the Arsenal.
To the Chief Vizier: 10 purses (5,000 dollars) and a sable fur for a vest.
To the Vizier’s chief steward (Rabia): 1 purse (500 dollars).
To the Defterdar (Lord Treasurer): 1 purse (500 dollars).
This was the regular and official tribute that Moldavia paid each year to show its obedience to the Sultan.
Extra Demands and Hidden Costs
It would have been fortunate if this had been the full cost. However, there were many additional and unexpected expenses. Special missions were often invented simply to demand more money and gifts from the province. These extra payments sometimes equaled or even doubled the official yearly tribute.
In addition, the position of Prince of Moldavia was not permanent. It was usually granted for three years and was, in effect, sold to the highest bidder.
The Price of Becoming Prince
To receive the principality, the following payments were required:
To the Grand Signior: 150 purses (75,000 dollars).
To the Valide Sultan (Queen Mother): 50 purses (25,000 dollars).
To the Sultan’s favorite: 10 purses (5,000 dollars).
To the Chief Black Eunuch (Kızlar Ağa): 10 purses.
To the Prime Vizier and other officers: as much money as they could demand in negotiation.
This large sum was usually borrowed at very high interest, sometimes 40 or 50 percent, and in some cases the debt had to be doubled if not paid quickly.
The Burden on the People
Because many princes had no personal fortune, these debts were placed upon the country itself. The people were heavily taxed and oppressed to repay the borrowed money, the interest, and the annual tribute. The land was stripped of its wealth to satisfy both the Ottoman officials and the prince’s own needs.
The prince also needed to secure his future. After leaving office, he wanted enough wealth to live in comfort according to his former rank. This desire often led to greed and harsh taxation. Many of these princes came from humble backgrounds and, once in power, tried to collect as much money as possible.
In addition, they had to offer yearly gifts to powerful Ottoman ministers to ensure protection for themselves and their property. In this way, Moldavia suffered under heavy financial burdens, not only from official tribute but also from constant demands and corruption.