bilig-35 / Autumn 2005
FROM SOCIAL DYNAMISM TO CELALI REBELLIONS IN OTTOMAN SOCIETY OR ONE INTERPRETATION
FOR TWO DOCUMENTS
Abstract: The second half of the XVIth century is a turning point regarding the mobility amongst the strata of Ottoman society. The dynamic structure of the XVth century was gradually replaced by a relatively static society. This transformation was affected by such general factors as population increase and rise in process in addition to changes in the military-administrative structure of the state. The doors of the military-administrative class one of the most important spheres in changing one's social status were closed down for the members of subject population. Against this, young population tried to open the doors of the other sphere that would help them change their social status, viz. the madresa. However, the capacity of madresas, which came the only legitimate path in this regard, were limited. This turn became a kind of obstruction for ordinary people and constituted one of the main reasons for the Celali uprisings.
Key words: Ottoman society, Celali Uprisings, Social Stratification, Social Status, XVIthe Century, Social Change
