Original scientific paper
Petrova gora, the vlach nahiye
Snježana Buzov
Abstract
As a case study of one nahiye – Petrova gora- this paper examines several questions regarding the demographic and other changes in the period of ottoman rule in Dalmatian hinterlands. Majority of settlements recorded in Ottoman tax registers from the mid-sixteenth century till its end still exist. Some could be found recorded in earlier, pre-Ottoman documents, but do not exist today, while some toponyms appear as temporary names/settlemnets, and could be found only in Ottoman records. Thus the available toponymic evidence itself testifi es to the continuity and change of the settlements in the region. One specifi c characteristic of this nahiye is its population, which was exclusively Vlach. The comparative analysis of various sources leads to the conclusion that Vlach migrations into this nahiye follow, and are closely tied with the introduction of the new, Ottoman sovereignty. Both Ottoman and Venetian provide testimony about Vlach groups
moving into this area, although without information about their origins. There are clear indications that the name Vlach(s) designates not only a status, or pastoral economy, but also an identity, since process of migration is also recorded, and because the immigrants are called Vlachs. In other words they do not come to be designated in such way upon settling but already when they appear in the region. This identity is a group identity, and its distinctive characteristics can be followed through notes and records about their leaders, and through dual registering of Vlachs: in their villages and as cemâ‘ats. The latter were Vlach groups including populations of a number of villages. Also, since they are called Vlachs regardless of their economy it is evident that they maintain their status and name regardless of changed circumstances.
Keywords
demographic changes; identity; otoman rule; Petrova gora; Vlach nahiye
Hrčak ID:
118069
URI
Publication date:
8.5.2012.
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