Ottoman Documents on the Greek Revolution in the Sancak of Thessaloniki: The Ottomans' Perception

Evi Psarrou

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to reveal the reaction of the Ottomans upon hearing the outburst of the revolution in the Sancak of Thessaloniki. Furthermore, the aim of this study is to shed light on the course of action taken by the Ottoman State and the Ottomans? measures for the defence of the area and the preparation of the Ottoman troops in order to face adequately a possible uprising of the reayas in the province, as well as their activities in crushing the revolution which eventually evolved. Additionally this paper discusses the Ottomans? conception, beliefs and understanding of the revolution, the orders? given by the Sultan and the proposed punishments of the rebellious population. All the aforementioned evidence derive through the study of primary sources, mainly firmans which had been translated into Greek and published in the first half of the 20th century.

Keywords: Greek Revolution, Sancak of Thessaloniki, Ottoman Documents, Ottoman Empire, Ottoman Provincial Officers