Yavuz Sultan Selim’s Era
The organization of Ottoman treasuries saw its inception during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim. This development was prompted by the Sultan’s triumphant return from expeditions to Egypt and Iran, laden with substantial loot. Ottoman historians highlighted the overflowing treasures amassed during his reign. Sultan Selim’s statement encapsulated his concern for the future of the treasury, proclaiming that if his successor were to deplete the gold-filled treasury, it should be sealed with their seal, but if not, it should remain sealed with his own Turkey Tour Guide.
Treasury Organization
Ata’s History provides insight into the treasury organization during Yavuz Sultan Selim’s reign. It delineates the allocation of domestic and foreign booty in the Imperial Treasury, earmarking funds for military expeditions. Surplus funds were to be stored in six large storerooms for the Imperial Palace’s external affairs. Additionally, a portion was allocated to the treasury within the Sultan’s Harem, while another segment was kept in underground storerooms of the Castle of Seven Towers to cover the salaries of treasury staff, including the Chief Doorkeeper, Purse-bearer, Keeper of the wardrobe, and three clerks, alongside respected veterans and supervisors from the Sultan’s Harem Unveiling the Exterior Treasury.
Multiple Treasuries
The mention of “Imperial Treasuries” likely refers to the Exterior Treasury near the Castle of Seven Towers and “Kubbealti.” Additionally, it encompasses the Treasury of the Sultan’s Harem located in the Old Palace in Bayazit. Treasury Register Book no. 10730/1 records the presence of “cash and old gold coins” at the Old Palace, affirming its status as a treasury hub during that period.
