Ottoman Power in Romania

From the 16th to the 19th Century, Turkish Authority Prevailed

Apr 30, 2009 Kerry Kubilius

Ottoman Turks exacted tribute from their chosen Romanian leaders despite anti-Ottoman policies until their power declined in the 19th century.

The Ottoman Turks were a continual presence in Romania from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. They exacted monetary tribute, effected the local economy, and even chose Romanian leaders. The Revolution of 1821 limited their powers. Romania attempted to shake off the Ottoman hold repeatedly during this era.

Ottoman Tribute

The Ottoman Turks required monetary tribute to be paid to them regularly by elected or appointed leaders in the Romanian principalities. These tributes typically increased in size and value year after year, though after the revolt of Michael the Brave, who died in 1601, tributes of less value were required. In addition, gifts had to be sent to the sultan which often equaled the value of paid tributes.

Ottoman Power to Appoint Leaders

The Ottoman Turks held power over Romanian principalities on the political level, as well. They appointed leaders and could be bribed by wealthy landowners who wanted more authority. At first, ruling lineage was considered by the Ottoman Turks as a legitimate reason to appoint, or approve the election of, a local leader. Later, they began to appoint whomever they pleased. To reduce the authority any one ruler could earn, the Ottoman Turks changed out local leadership frequently.

As a final resort to reduce local leaders' power, the Ottoman Turks placed Greeks on the thrones of Wallachia and Moldavia in the 1700s, which threatened the native ruling class.

Boyars' Anti-Ottoman Policy

While the Ottoman Turks expressed their power in Romania, the boyars, or the landowners, upheld an anti-Ottoman policy, which led to revolts. The Ottoman Turks inhabited the Romanian principalities and could squash any uprising quickly.

Michael the Brave, a Wallachian prince, joined the Holy League, an anti-Ottoman organization, which included Venice, the Papal states, some Italian states, and the Hapsburg Empire as a part of a major anti-Ottoman move.

Peasants in Romania under Ottoman Power

It was the peasants who suffered the most in Romania under Ottoman power. As the landowners increased taxes to pay the ever-increasing tributes, the peasants gradually lost all property and were forced into serfdom. Numbers of serfs increased and estates grew large.

Decline of Ottoman Power in Romania

During the Russo-Turkish War of 1806-1812, the Ottoman Turks were briefly driven out of Moldavia and Wallachia. These two principalities demanded that Russia, Prussia, and Austria recognize and support their independence. The Ottoman Turks, however, regained their hold on Romania until the revolution of 1821 created a decline in their power over the region.

References

A Concise History of Romania. Ed. Andrei Otetea and Andrew MacKenzie. London: Robert Hale, 1985. 200-228, 257, 263, 287, 297-298.

Bolovan, Ioan, et. al. A History of Romania. Ed. Kurt W. Treptow. New York: Columbia University Press, 1996. 143-151, 155, 156, 179.

The copyright of the article Ottoman Power in Romania in E European History is owned by Kerry Kubilius. Permission to republish Ottoman Power in Romania in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.