The Demographical Structure of Pljevlja (Taşluca) in the Second Half of the 15th Century and 16th Century

Abstract

Pljevlja settlement was founded in the second half of the 15th Century in a location where significant trade routes passed through. This settlement was apart of the Bosnian kingdom and partially was the property of Herceg Stipan Kosaca, a local notable. The settlement region of Pljevlja was incorpareted into the administrative organization of the Ottoman Empire in 1465 at the latest. Pljevlja, to be named Taşluca later on, was quite densely inhabitated by the indigenous inhabitants, called "Bosnjani". According to the first survey register of Bosnian Sanjack dated 1468/1469, which included the records of Pljevlja, there were 72 households and 23 single male population in this settlement. In the course of the 16th century, Pljevlja, i.e., Taşluca, experienced a constant population increase, but this situation slowed down in 1580's due to the appearance of plaque, and, therefore, Pljevlja' population underwent a decrease as was the case for the Herzegovinian Sanjak in general. Although the foundation date of the town of Pljevlja can be traced back to 1477, it was only in 1570s that the foundation process was fully completed. The primary role in this regard was played by the Sanjak Beg of Herzegovina, Hüseyin Beg, who built a mosque and many other buildings that gave the Islamic character of the city Pljevlja in 1570s. Thanks to these developments and its becoming the residence of the Herzegovinian Sanjak Beg, Pljevlja had the opportunity to continue its demographic development.