Grievance Administration (Sikayet) in an Ottoman Province: The Kaymakam of Rumelia's 'Record Book of Complaints' of 1781-1783

The 'Record Book of Complaints', from the office of the governor-general (beylerbey) of Rumelia, is an exceptional manuscript of the Ottoman archive. It offers a unique insight into the experience of Ottoman administration in the most important province of Ottoman Europe, Rumelia. Containing the orders given by the beylerbey as a consequence of petitions and grievances submitted by members of the population on a variety of problems, this manuscript casts light on administrative and judicial institutions and practices linked to the office of the beylerbey.

For the first time, this important document has been translated into English and its original facsimile is reproduced. Additionally, the author provides a concise introduction to the historical context of the 'Record Book of Complaints'. This book is the first volume to appear in the Ibrahim Pasha Fund of Egypt Series, a sub-series of the Royal Asiatic Society Books series.

Michael Ursinus, educated at Hamburg, held academic positions in Munich, Birmingham (UK) and Freiburg (Germany). He is currently Professor of Islamic and Ottoman Studies at the University of Heidelberg. His main research interests include the Balkans under Ottoman rule, the history of the periodical press in the Middle East, and Ottoman diplomatics and palaeography.

ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY BOOKS: IBRAHIM PASHA OF EGYPT SERIES
The Royal Asiatic Society’s Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt Fund, established in 2001 by Princess Fazile Ibrahim, encourages the growth and development of Ottoman studies internationally by publishing Ottoman documents and manuscripts of historical importance from the classical period up to 1839, with transliteration, full or part translation and scholarly commentaries.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction
The records of the Rumili Kaymakami
The Manastir ‘Record Book of Complaints’
Appendix A: The role of the kadi in the administration of Sikayet
Appendix B: Glossary 39

Edition of Manastir Sicilli no. 64: transliteration and translation

Part One: The Manastir ‘Record Book of Complaints’, fol. 1b/1–2b/6 (19–27 March 1781)
The text, fol. 1b/1–2b/6 49

Part Two: The Manastir ‘Record Book of Complaints’, fol. 3a/1–27a (23 September 1782–16 January 1783)
The text, fol. 3a/1–27a

Sources consulted

Index of place names

Facsimile of the ‘Record Book of Complaints’

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