Сеоска привреда у Смедеревском санџаку (1476 – 1560)
Rural Economy in Smederevo Sancak (1476-1560)

Summary/Abstract: The economy of Smederevo sancak in general reflected the economic and political circumstances in this part of Serbia in the second half of the 15th and first half of the 16th century. The records show that it was a region rich in natural resources with agriculture as the most important and productive branch of economy. Its characteristics, in addition to the population structure, geographic and climatic conditions, were determined by the Ottoman system of government. Almost all field crops that were grown in the medieval Serbian state were also grown in Smederevo sancak in the second half of the 15th and first half of the 16th century, such as: wheat as the most common crop, barley, rye, millet, oats, hemp, cabbage, lentils, melon, onion. Naturally, certain areas had their specific crops, as the nahiye of Niš where rice was cultivated. Grain production was the main agricultural activity. Its level of development stimulated the growth of some trades. Milling trade was one of the most developed trades witnessed by the existence of numerous mills on fast rivers and streams of Smederevo sancak. An important place among the trades belonged to blacksmiths, who in addition to agricultural tools produced arms. Livestock raising was also developed in Smederevo sancak. It relied on pastures that were abundant in Smederevo sancak. The natural resources of this region facilitated the development of poultry breeding, bee farming, pig breeding, fishing, etc. The rural economy of Smederevo sancak in the second half of the 15th and first half of the 16th century was autarkic and self-reliant, and generally met the needs of consumption. Only some products, such as grain or wine were produced in large quantities and were marketed.

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