Oka

Definition and History

The oka (also known as okka, oke, or occa) was a mass measurement unit used in the Ottoman Empire. Its value varied over time, but it was standardized in the late empire at 1.2829 kilograms.

Origin of the Word

The origin of the word "oka" is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from the Latin word "uncia," meaning "on two." This refers to the fact that the oka was originally a unit of weight equal to one-twentieth of an ounce or 1/20th of a pound.

Equivalent Values

The oka was equivalent to 400 dirhams (Ottoman drams) in the Ottoman Empire. In some regions, it corresponded to specific values:

* In Tripolitania, the oka was equal to 1,282 kg or 1,220.8 kg.
* A cantar was 40 ocs, and a 1/4 occa gum was equivalent to a quarter of an oca.

Standardization

In the late Ottoman Empire, the value of the oka was standardized at 1.2829 kilograms. This standardization remained in effect until traditional units were abolished in various regions.

Regional Variations

The use and spelling of the term "oka" varied across different regions:

* In Turkey, the traditional unit is now called "eski okka" (old oka) or "kara okka" (black oka), while the metric system uses the kilogram as the new standard.
* In Greece, the oka was standardized at 1.282 kg and remained in use until the abolition of traditional units on March 31, 1959.
* In Cyprus, the oka remains a part of the local measurement system.

Legacy

The oka has been replaced by the metric system in most regions, but its legacy continues to be seen in the various names used for the kilogram in different languages and cultures.