The castles that had been taken were redeemed for a certain sum of money, yet they still remained in the hands of the Transylvanians. Besides their regular tribute, the people of Transylvania paid only 300 dollars and offered two silver bowls to the Seven Viziers of the Bench. This small payment was considered a formal gift rather than a heavy tax.
This was almost the full acknowledgment they made to the Turk. Compared to other provinces under Ottoman rule, this was a light obligation. The Ottomans did not press them with excessive demands. Instead, they allowed Transylvania to keep a degree of independence and dignity Bulgaria Tours.
Respect Shown to the Prince
The Ottoman Sultan showed more respect to the Prince of Transylvania and to his envoys than to the rulers of the neighboring provinces. One important reason for this was political. Transylvania was not fully under Ottoman control. Some strong fortresses in the region were still held by the Emperor of Germany. Because of this, the Sultan had to act carefully.
If the Ottomans had treated Transylvania too harshly, the people might have turned against them and joined the Emperor. To prevent rebellion, the Turks ruled the country in a milder way. They preferred loyalty through respect rather than control through fear.
The Case of Prince Michael Apafi
During the later wars in Hungary, this careful policy became clear in the treatment of Prince Michael Apafi. The Ottomans trusted him greatly and treated him more like an honorable ally than a simple subject.
For example, when the fortress of Zekelhyd surrendered voluntarily during a mutiny, the Sultan allowed Apafi to take possession of it freely. There was no Turkish officer placed over him to supervise or control his authority. This showed a high level of confidence and respect.
Promise of Greater Honor
To encourage Apafi further, the Ottoman government even declared that if Hungary were fully conquered, the lands that were not placed under Pashas would be added to his dominions. They promised that he would be honored with the title of King of Hungary.
This promise reveals how important Transylvania was in Ottoman strategy. Instead of ruling it with strict control, the Sultan chose diplomacy and honor. By giving respect and hope of greater power, the Ottomans secured the loyalty of Transylvania during a time of war and political uncertainty.