sanjakbey

A sanjakbey, also rendered sancakbey, was the governor of a sanjak, a major administrative district within an Ottoman eyalet (province). The sanjakbey held both civil and military authority over the district and acted as the central administrator at the local level, reporting to the beylerbey of the province or directly to the sultan in some periods.

The sanjakbey’s duties encompassed tax collection, maintenance of public order, and general administration within the sanjak. He commanded the district’s troops, including cavalry forces raised from the timar system, and was responsible for local defense, mobilization, and the enforcement of provincial reforms or military directives. He supervised fiscal affairs through the defterdar (treasurer) and coordinated with the kadı (judge) on legal matters. The sanjakbey also oversaw land governance and revenue records, and acted as the principal liaison between the provincial center and local notables, timar holders, and other officials.

Appointment and structure: Sanjakbeys were appointed by the sultan or by the province’s governor and typically resided in the sanjak’s capital. In the administrative hierarchy, they reported to higher provincial authorities and worked with subordinate officials to administer taxation, justice, and defense. The office was often held by experienced military or provincial administrators.

Historical context: The sanjakbey was a central figure in the Ottoman provincial system from its early expansion through the 19th century. Following Tanzimat reforms and the Vilayet Law era, the administrative framework shifted toward vilayets and kazas, but the role of sanjakbey remained a recognizable element of Ottoman governance in historical records.