Being an Ottoman Vlach: On Vlach identity (Ies), role and status in western parts of the Ottoman Balkans (15th-18th centuries)

Abstract

Following the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans, the Vlachs, still a largely nomadic and semi-nomadic population, made special arrangements with the conquerors. They served as a colonising force in newly conquered areas, manning auxiliary military units such as voynuks and martoloses, etc. In exchange, the Ottomans granted the Vlachs wide exemptions and autonomies that made them significantly different from the ordinary subject population -re'âyâ. During the course of time, with centralisation and changes to state structure, the economic system and military organisation occurring, many of the services that the Vlachs used to provide for the Ottomans, became superfluous. As a result, the 1520's saw the beginning of Vlach sedentarisation and a reduction of their privileges. By the end of the 16 th century, these privileges resulted in the majority of Vlachs' social standing being equalled to that of the filuricis, and later with ordinary re'âyâ peasants.The Vlach response to the pressure of the state was threefold: (1) rebellion and migration to enemy territory, (2) acceptance of new realities and the loss of Vlach quality, and (3), assimilation with the "ruling people" by means of Islamisation. The 18 th century, on the other hand, witnessed the rise of "conquering Orthodox merchants," originally Vlachs, who distinguished themselves through wealth acquired in international trade. Despite their success, however, they once again, relatively quickly assimilated into host societies, following the fate of their nomadic predecessors.