Military Exemptions For Immigrants In The Ottoman Empire And The Circassian Conscription Question

The issue of military service in the Ottoman Empire underwent a major transformation in the 19th century due to military reforms. This study examines the exemptions granted to muhacirs (immigrants) within the transforming military system of the 19th century Ottoman Empire, and especially the military service issue of Circassian muhacirs. The research, based on Ottoman State Archives sources, analyzes the financial and military exemptions granted by the state to millions of people who migrated to its lands for economic and social reasons. The aim of the study is to reveal how the initial 25-year exemption period-granted first to Crimean muhacirs and later generalized-was shortened starting from the 1880s, and the social reactions this created. The method used is based on the systematic examination of archival documents. According to the findings, total war environments such as the Balkan Wars and World War I largely ended military exemptions. The Circassian muhacirs were the group that experienced the most problems during this process. While the Circassians themselves became subject to military obligations, they strongly opposed the conscription of their slaves. However, the period of total war brought an end not only to the conscription of Circassians but also to the class structure among the Circassians