A Social and Economical Analysis of Confiscation: The Confiscations in Late of 18th Century Bursa

Abstract

In the studies discussing the Ottoman social and economic history of 18th century, the researchers have pointed out that the state frequently appliedthe confiscation process. Especially they have stated an increase in confiscation applications after 1770.Nevertheless, there hasn't beensufficient number of research analyzing the differences and consequences of confiscations implemented in this period. Using the 18th century archival documents and Bursa court records in this paper, I tried to analyze the confiscations implemented in Bursa, in 1770-1800. I want to answer the questions of how the confiscations were legally defined by state, how many people's wealth was confiscated, how an inspection was performed to identify them by administration and analyze the effects of these applications on the following generations.