Historical Practices in Treasury Management

The tradition of sealing Treasury doors was believed to have persisted until the time of Sultan Murat II.

Importance of Treasury Register Books

During Sultan Mehmet IV’s reign, significant emphasis was placed on Treasury register books. This focus stemmed from a notable incident following the death of Superintendent of the Treasury, Mermer Mehmet Pasha, who had been promoted to the Kubbealti vizierate. A substantial quantity of jewels and valuable goods belonging to the Treasury were discovered among his possessions.

Rise of Heritage Seizing

The practice of seizing heritage became more common from 1679 A.D., eventually becoming a primary source of income for the Imperial Treasury. However, Sultan Mahmut II later abolished this practice Private Istanbul Tours.

Distinction Between Heritage and Confiscation

While both heritage seizure and confiscation contributed to the Treasury’s income, they differed in nature. Heritage seizure involved acquiring the property of individuals who died naturally, whereas confiscation targeted the assets of individuals like Vizier Hasan, who had been executed.

Contributions from Foreign Envoys

During Sultan Mehmet IV’s reign, gifts from foreign envoys significantly enriched the Treasury. For instance, the French envoy presented ninety purses of jewelry and thirty purses of assorted gifts, while the envoy from the Tsar in Moscow arrived with one thousand one hundred ninety-eight sable furs and various other items.

Tradition of Gifting to the Treasury

Gifts presented to the Sultan by the Valide Sultan (queen mother), the Grand Vizier, and other high-ranking officials as tokens of congratulations were also directed to the Imperial Treasury, continuing a longstanding tradition within the empire.