O Bošnjačkoj eliti XVIII stoljeća
About Bosniak elite of the eighteenth century

Summary/Abstract: The 1699 Treaty of Karlowitz had far-reaching consequences for the Ottoman Empire as a whole, and in particular for its European frontier provinces. The most striking instance of this is the Bosnian eyalet. In the period preceding it, too, the local population played a decisive part in defending Bosnia from attack by Austrian and Venetian forces. This was to become especially pronounced during the three wars waged in the Bosnian eyalet during the 18th century (1714-1718, 1737-1739 and 1788-1791). Many inadequately informed people have wondered how it was that this province could remain under the sovereignty of the Sultan. However, once one familiarizes oneself with the condition, circumstances and, in particular, the views of the local population, it is not hard to answer the question. This was a time when almmost all social classes in Bosnia were involved in the defence of the province, for which appropriate defensive measures were taken. Many new fortresses were built, and several previously derelict fortresses and fortifications were repaired. A number of new captaincies were added to those already establisshed. Much was done to improve communications between the province’s urban centres. However, the crucial factor was the mindset of the people of that time, who saw Bosnia as their only homeland, and for that reason were resolute and successful in its defence it in times of crisis. They did this not for the Sultan and the Ottoman state, but for their own sakes, out of their own patriotism. An important part was played in all this by prominent individuals and entire families, whose members traditionally held high civilian and military posts. As a rule, they were notable, well-respected and prosperous people. Unlike the elites of certain other milieux, the 18th Bosniac elite was for the most part linked by a network of connections with all social strata, and as such it shared the fate of “ordinary” people. This paper goes into greater detail on these individuals and families and the positions they held. Some of these facts are already known, while others are revealed here for the first time. This is just part of a fascinating topic that merits comprehensive and indepth treatment, since it is in fact one of the lacunae in the historiography of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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