The Ottoman State and the Local Forces in the Province of Sanjak of Jerusalem in the First Half of the Eighteenth Century: Relations in the Center and Surroundings

Abstract

The state has reviewed its state crafts in the sanjak of Jerusalem in the first half of the 18th century. Being the ayans, military headmen and bedouin tribal sheikhs in cooperation with the banner state representative has been effective in the success of the relevant statecrafts. This study puts forward the success of the state in coordinating the ayans which had contribution beyond conciliation and building up an executing military power that equipoise undisciplined local military forces who fulfill the orders of the state during the performance of duties within and outside the banner. Moreover this study sets forth the partial success of the state in providing the Bedouin tribes scattered around the banner in holding them responsible for the safety of the linking roads of the pilgrimage route and ensuring them to stay away from residential areas. It has been concluded from the study that there is a big impact of the relationship between the state and local powers in the active or weak roles of the bedouin, military and ayans’ families in the modern banner history in the first half of the 18th century.