Economic Characteristics of the Troyan Region during the 16th – 17th Centuries: Traditional Livelihoods and Outside Influences (According to Ottoman Documents from That Period)

On the basis of unpublished and partly published Ottoman register material from 16th and 17th century the focus of this study is concentrated on the economic development of Troyan and Troyan region during the first centuries under Ottoman rule. The monetary and natural components of the land rent, introduced by various in type and amount taxes in the detailed (mufassal) registers, reveal the whole range of crops and specific livelihoods of the population in settlements of the region. The comparative analysis of this compact information outlines several essential characteristics in their economic development. First of all – the indications of continuity from the time of the medieval Bulgarian state. On the second - the changes that occurred under the influence of the “new” Muslim inhabitants, including in the field of crafts. Third – the influence of local traditions on the economic activity of the Muslim population. The discussed Ottoman documents reveal a quite different economic characteristic of the region from the one imposed in the historiography, and especially in the local history studies, which hardly suggests the development of Troyan as one of the most important centers of craft production during the Revival and Post-liberation period.