ALBANIA IN THE NOTES BY EVLIYA CELEBI IN THE 17TH CENTUR

Abstract

The Ottoman Empire underwent a series of radical changes throughout the 17 thcentury, during which structural transformations occurred both in Anatolia and the Balkans. It was during this period that an empire built on conquest in its earlier existence had started paying attention to the organizational demands of the permanent settlements, such as tax collection. The same period also witnessed the birthpains of the same state's transformation into a settled monarchy.1 Evliya Celebiis one of the prominent figures of this century who also was a live witness to this transformation, as well its socio-cultural and economic effects on the Ottoman geography. His work therefore goes far beyond being an example of a travelogue,and needs acknowledgement as a colorful presentation of the empire's sociological history in the 17th century geographic setting.2 He depicts Balkan cities as lively settings that rival their counterparts in Anatolia, Syria and Egypt in economic wealth. Culturally, they are a good example of the impact of the center's tastes and preferences on the periphery. Meanwhile, Albania is an important center due to its commercial potential and geopolitical status in the Ottoman world. This is why at atime when the Ottoman Empire structurally transformed into a new order Evliya Celebi's writings on the Balkan cities and people carries significant importance.While his viewpoint is that of an elite, he did seek to understand the differences.