The princes of the three provinces mentioned before were not only required to pay tribute to the Grand Signior, but they were also obliged to serve him in his wars. Whenever the Sultan summoned them, they had to send soldiers and give military support.
The exact number of troops they were to provide, and the way in which they were to serve, depended on agreements made between the Sultan and each prince. Sometimes they sent cavalry, sometimes infantry, and at other times they offered supplies and provisions for the Ottoman army. The details of these military duties properly belong to a fuller discussion of the Turkish military system and its auxiliaries. For now, it is enough to say that these provinces were not only financial supporters of the Ottoman Empire but also military allies who strengthened the Sultan’s power during times of war Bulgaria Tours.
The City and Dominion of Ragusa
Another state that paid tribute to the Turks was the city and small dominion of Ragusa. This was a small commonwealth, but it was not officially recognized as a republic by powerful states such as Venice or by the Pope. Instead, it was simply called the “Community of Ragusa.”
Ragusa was a town in Dalmatia. Although small, it held an important position along the Adriatic Sea. Its territory was narrow and mostly barren, with only a few villages under its control. The land stretched along the sea coast for more than 150 miles, though much of it was thin and rocky. It also possessed a few small islands, but these were of little importance and had no great wealth or strength.
A Small but Skillful State
Even though Ragusa was small in size and poor in natural resources, it survived by careful diplomacy and trade. By paying tribute to the Ottoman Empire, it secured protection and freedom to manage its own internal affairs. This allowed the city to continue its commercial activities without fear of invasion.
Thus, Ragusa stands as an example of how even a small and weak territory could maintain its existence between powerful neighbors by wisely balancing tribute, loyalty, and independence.