The Economic History of Ottoman Rule in Bilad al-Sham The Economic Impact of the Ottoman Conquest on Bilad al-Sham

Abstract

This chapter explores the following questions: Was the integration of Bilad al-Sham into the Ottoman Empire economically advantageous, disadvantageous, or neither, for the region of Bilad al-Sham, and was the process of integration into the Empire the only cause of whatever changes took place? What answers has recent research given to this question? The study of the region during the Ottoman period has become a flourishing concern. The Indian Ocean region is the key to what happened in Bilad al-Sham, whose economic fortunes during this time were much impacted by developments from the west. The conquest of the Arab lands by the Ottomans immediately made them part of a huge free trade zone. The Ottomans' understanding of the importance of trade and their efforts to keep the international trade routes through their territory open has not been given its due. Bilad al-Sham continued to benefit from international trade. Keywords:Bilad al-Sham; Indian Ocean region; international trade routes; Ottoman Empire; Ottomans