Treasury Reform and Progress

Efforts to reform the treasury bore fruit by 1679 A.D. Records from the Topkapi Palace archives demonstrate a significant advancement in organizing Ottoman register books. These books were meticulously arranged in numerical order and provided detailed descriptions of goods, marking a notable improvement compared to previous practices.

Preservation Challenges and Historical Insights

Despite progress, only a few treasury books dating before 1679 A.D. have survived in the Palace archives. These ancient records, dating back to the eras of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror and Sultan Bayazit II, consist of inventory lists with limited descriptions. The scarcity of these documents raises questions about the preservation of historical records over the centuries (104).

Challenges during Military Campaigns

Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, the Imperial Army engaged in continuous military campaigns. During these expeditions, the treasury played a crucial role, with treasury carts accompanying the army even before the Sultan and his officials. The register books containing records of valuable items, including holy relics, were subject to wear and tear during these arduous campaigns, often leading to their deterioration or loss Private Istanbul Tours.

Historical Records and Absences

While treasury register books from the reigns of Sultan Beyazit II and Yavuz Sultan Selim are available, records from the periods of Magnificent Suleyman, Murat III, Selim II, and Murat IV are notably absent. The reasons behind this discrepancy remain unclear. It raises questions about whether such records were maintained or if they were discarded for unknown reasons. The proverb “He was so wealthy that he was not aware of his properties’ accounts” highlights the challenges of managing the vast riches flowing into the empire during these prosperous periods.

In conclusion, while efforts were made to improve treasury management and record-keeping, challenges such as preservation during military campaigns and the sheer volume of wealth entering the empire posed significant obstacles to maintaining comprehensive historical records.