Topic 3.2: Administration Within the Ottoman Empire | AP World History: Modern

Millet

One of three non-Muslim religious communities (Greek Orthodox Church, Armenian Church, and the Jews) that was headed by either a patriarch or a rabbi; responsible for collecting taxes, arranging education, and settling internal legal matters.

Dhimmi

Protected, non-Muslims people (e.g., Christians and Jews) living under Ottoman rule; they were allowed freedom of religion and property as long as they were loyal to the state and paid a small tax, known as the "jizya".

Askeris

Religious leaders (men of religion), bureaucrats (men of the pen), the military (men of the sword), and merchants (men of negotiations); did not have to pay taxes.

Timar

Temporary grants of land that were given to sapihas (cavalry); they could collect taxes from the land for as long as they served in the cavalry but could not own the land or pass it/the ability to collect taxes onto their sons.

Sapihas

The cavalry of the military; rewarded with portions of the spoils taken during military campaigns, granted temporary grants of land (timars -- not owned) and the right to collect taxes off of those lands, and assisted with some administrative duties.

Reaya

The majority of the Ottoman population, typically farmers; had to pay taxes. "Everybody else."

Osmanli

The ruling elite of the Ottoman Empire; stood at the top of the social pyramid and were descendants of the first conquerors; an attitude and a way of life rather than a religious or ethnic identification. Qualifications are as follows: 1) needed to be member of Askeri classes, 2) needed to serve in military or bureaucracy, 3) needed to speak Arabic, Persian, and Turkish, and 4) needed to be a Muslim.

Janissaries

The sultan's elite, well-trained, fearless infantry force, experienced in artillery and firearms; seem quite terrifying and cruel.