Prerequisites for the Development of the Tobacco Industry in Bulgarian Lands during the 17th – 19th Centuries

During the 17th–19th century, tobacco production and trade was not only a major component for the Ottoman economy – the development of the tobacco industry significantly shaped the economic and social structure of a number of regions that were under the Ottoman rule. The pace and scope of development of tobacco production in the Bulgarian lands were influenced by a wide range of factors. In their entirety, these factors predetermined the position and role individual regions had in the development of the tobacco industry. This led to a situation where quantity, volume and social importance of tobacco production had different weight in individual settlements or regions, and this interdependence was sustained throughout the entire period of Ottoman rule in the Bulgarian region. Main prerequisites that predetermined the development of the tobacco industry as a whole were the natural, human and state factors. They were most lasting and central for the development of the tobacco industry and its longevity in a historical perspective. Based on many years of experience, the agricultural population in Bulgaria had an excellent knowledge of the soil and climatic conditions in their region and during the 17th-19th century they were able to adapt and cultivate oriental types of tobacco accordingly. Beside the natural, human, social, legislative and cultural prerequisites, there are a number of other factors that helped shape the different characteristics of the tobacco industry in the Bulgarian region. For example, the provision of quality tobacco seeds, the presence or absence of encroachments on tobacco, natural disasters, the disposal of funds to support tobacco production, etc. The combination of several or of all these prerequisites laid the foundation for the successful development of tobacco production in the Bulgarian region and the ability to turn it into a major economic branch with an important role for the financial, social and international politics in Bulgaria after the end of the Ottoman period and during the twentieth century.