The Establishment of Large Çiftliks: Indebtedness and Property Acquisition in 18th-Century Karaferye (Veria)

What is it about?

This research examines the establishment of çiftliks, which were large landed estates with extensive arable land, by the prominent individuals of Karaferye, a rural town in Thessaloniki, during the 18th century. The most common method of establishing these çiftliks was through the purchase of arable land from local peasants. It is noteworthy that peasants often resorted to selling their land due to financial debts and security concerns. Consequently, this transaction transformed them from independent producers into wage laborers reliant on the landholder. This change in legal status undoubtedly brought about new responsibilities, including extra- taxation and obligations.

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