Светогорски метоси у доба прве турске власти1383-1403.Питање опште конфискације
Athonite Меtoсhiа during the First Period of Turkish Rule 1383-1403. Тhe Issue of General Confiscations

Summary/Abstract: The issue whether the first period of Turkish rule 1383-1403 saw the general confiscation of Athonite metochia has been discussed in scholarly circles for a long time. Although aware of the sufficient number of positive evidence relating to the holding of metochia (documents from that epoch, and even from later periods), researchers were formerly burdened with the inherited dilemmas originating from two prostagmas of Manuel II (from 1404 and 1408). Some of the arguments have been definitely refuted by the correct reading and more consistent interpretation of the charters. Others have been shown not to be genuine indications, let alone sufficient proof of general confiscation. New studies of the Ottoman documents from the Athonite archives also confirm that a certain continuity in the possession of some metochia existed regardless of the change in size and ownership. Moreover, it is believed today that many land estates in Thrace and Macedonia had been confirmed before Mt Athos was incorporated into the Ottoman state. General confiscation, as a measure of central government, would be contrary to the principles of the Ottoman conquering methods of that time, already known in scholarship. Of course, the author does not hold the view that the confiscation of certain estates, justly or unjustly, did not take place.

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