Slavery in the Ottoman Empire

Overview

Slavery in the Ottoman Empire was a legitimate and important part of the economy and society of the empire, existing from the 15th century until the early 20th century. The institution of slavery played a significant role in the social and economic fabric of the empire.

History

The main sources of slaves were prisoners of war and organized expeditions for the capture of slaves in various regions, including North and East Africa, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Circasia (in the Caucasus), and other territories under Ottoman control. The enslavement of people from these regions was a common practice throughout the history of the empire.

Statistics

Statistics from customs records indicate that total imports of slaves into Istanbul (then Constantinople) from the Black Sea may have been around 2.5 million between 1453 and 1700. This number gives an idea of the scale of the slave trade during this period.

Prohibition and Decline

Although the enslavement of people of the white race was banned at the beginning of the 19th century, the institution of slavery continued to exist in the empire until the early 20th century. Even after several measures to ban slavery in the late 19th century, this practice continued largely unabated. In a late 1908 report, slaves were still being sold in the Ottoman Empire.

Social and Economic Impact

Slavery was an integral part of the social and economic structure of the empire. Approximately five percent of the population consisted of slaves in the 16th-17th centuries. The institution of slavery also included sexual slavery, which played a significant role throughout its history.

Decline and Abolition

The decline of the Ottoman Empire's power and influence led to the eventual abolition of slavery in the early 20th century. However, the exact date of abolition is not specified in the available sources.

Note: The provided sources do not mention the specific date of abolition, so it has been left out of the article. If more information becomes available, this section can be updated accordingly.