The Ottoman State’s extensive interactions with various regions of Africa have left a rich legacy of written sources. These archives house a wealth of documents, including official correspondence, administrative records, and decrees (firmans) related to the Ottoman administration in Africa, especially in regions such as Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, and as far as South Africa. This extensive archive includes detailed records on governance, military activities, trade and diplomatic relations with African territories under Ottoman influence, located in Istanbul.
For instance, Defter-i Hakani are registry records that offer detailed information on land ownership, agricultural production and taxation in Ottoman-administered African territories, particularly in North Africa. Similarly, Shari’a court records are legal documents that provide insights into the social, economic, and legal affairs of the Ottoman provinces in Africa. Military reports…
