Uprising in Vučitrn

During the Austro-Turkish War of 1716–18, after Austrian military success, Serb peasants rose up against Ottoman rule in the Sanjak of Vučitrn, and also Novi Pazar and Peć in 1717. The rebellion was brutally suppressed by Ottoman troops.

Uprising in Vučitrn
Part of Austro-Turkish War of 1716–18
Datefall 1717–summer 1718
Location
Sanjak of Vučitrn
Result Ottoman victory
Belligerents
Serb population (rayah) Ottoman Empire
Commanders and leaders
Tahir Pasha
Ferhat Aga
Units involved
Albanian irregulars

Background

During the Austro-Turkish War of 1716–18, Austrian forces aided by Serb volunteers penetrated into West Morava and set up a new border there.[1] The war resulted in renewed persecution against the Serb population in Kosovo, Metohija and neighbouring regions.[1] The Ottomans relied on Albanians for securing their border regions with Austria, the Albanians becoming freed from the heaviest duties in return.[2] The Albanians had for years opposed accepting subject obligations, but now promised to defend the land from enemies and to fight bandits among themselves; in return they were exempt from paying the mining tribute for that year.[3] However, they continued causing disorder and refused paying taxes.[3]

In the second half of September 1717, during the retreat from Belgrade, at Niš the Ottoman sultan chose Vizier Abdul Pasha to maintain order and peace in Kosovo, and especially in Skopje, Pristina and Vučitrn.[4]

Uprising

In Vučitrn and in the nearby areas Novi Pazar and Peć,[1] the Serb rayah rose up in a large revolt.[2] This came after Austrian military success,[3] and was meant to open the way for the Austrian army.[5] Tahir Pasha was appointed by the government to deal with the rebellious Serbs.[3] Ferhat Aga, the captain of Novi Pazar, joined Tahir Pasha to together break the uprising at Vučitrn, Novi Pazar and Peć.[6] It was brutally suppressed.[2] The Ottoman troops that were sent to pacify the people and investigate, carried out new violence.[2]

Aftermath

After the rebellion, the Albanians put pressure on the Serb rayah and the Ottoman local leaders.[5] Tahir Pasha was meant to keep the rebellious rayah on the land, but also to impose tribute on the "new yabancı (foreigner) rayah" (the immigrant Albanians) who seized other's property that did not belong to them.[5] Trying to address the Albanian problem, in September 1718 Tahir Pasha sought a firman (official decree) to eradicate bandits in order to calm the land "from their plunder and murder".[5] Only a month after the decree, Kurd Mehmed Pasha from Yakova was given the Sanjak of İpek, and Tahir Pasha is no longer mentioned as alive.[5]

The harsh economic status, robberies, and threat of murder pushed the Kosovo Serbs into either accepting Islam, or seeking protection under a strong lord (accepting serfdom status).[1] Many opted for a third alternative, to take refuge in other areas where life was more acceptable.[1]

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See also

References
  1. Bataković 1991, p. 25.
  2. Petrović, Blagojević & Macura 1992, p. 24, Bataković 1991, p. 25
  3. Samardžić 1989, p. 149.
  4. Zbornik Matice srpske za istoriju. Matica srpska. 1992. p. 103.
  5. Istorija srpskog naroda 1986, p. 102.
  6. Milić 1983.

Sources
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