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Ottoman Syria Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Ottoman Syria: Administrative History

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Ottoman Syria: Administrative History Study Guide

Geographical Scope and Early Conquest (1516)

Ottoman Syria is defined geographically as the region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Euphrates River, bounded north by the Taurus Mountains and south by the Sinai Peninsula.

Answer: True

Explanation: The definition provided states the region is north of the Arabian Desert, and the Sinai Peninsula is part of this desert region, thus forming its southern boundary.

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The Ottoman Empire conquered Syria in 1516 from the Safavid Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ottoman Empire conquered Syria in 1516 from the Mamluk Sultanate, not the Safavid Empire.

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The Battle of Marj Dabiq in 1516 resulted in a Mamluk victory over the Ottoman forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Marj Dabiq in 1516 was a decisive Ottoman victory, paving the way for their conquest of Syria.

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The Arabic term 'Sham' was the name given to the large Ottoman province encompassing much of the Levant region.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Sham' (or Bilad al-Sham) was the designation for the primary Ottoman province established in the Levant after the 1516 conquest.

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The region of Ottoman Syria was part of the Roman Empire before being conquered by the Ottomans.

Answer: False

Explanation: The region was part of the Roman Empire, but it was conquered by the Ottomans from the Mamluk Sultanate, not directly from the Roman Empire.

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The term 'Bilad al-Sham' is primarily used to refer to the modern nation-state of Syria.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Bilad al-Sham' refers to the historical region of Syria, encompassing a broader geographical area than the modern nation-state of Syria.

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What is the historiographical definition of Ottoman Syria provided in the text?

Answer: A group of Ottoman administrative divisions in the Levant, east of the Mediterranean and west of the Euphrates.

Explanation: The text defines Ottoman Syria as a historiographical term for the administrative divisions within the Levant, situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Euphrates River.

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From which empire did the Ottomans conquer Syria in 1516?

Answer: The Mamluk Sultanate

Explanation: The Ottoman conquest of Syria in 1516 was achieved against the Mamluk Sultanate.

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Which battle in 1516 was crucial for the Ottoman conquest of Syria?

Answer: Battle of Marj Dabiq

Explanation: The Battle of Marj Dabiq in 1516 was a pivotal engagement that secured the Ottoman victory and facilitated their subsequent control over Syria.

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The definition of Ottoman Syria includes being west of which major river?

Answer: The Euphrates River

Explanation: The geographical definition of Ottoman Syria places it west of the Euphrates River.

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Which geographical feature forms the southern boundary of Ottoman Syria as defined in the text?

Answer: The Arabian Desert

Explanation: The definition provided specifies the Arabian Desert as the southern geographical boundary of Ottoman Syria.

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What historical entity immediately preceded Ottoman Syria, according to the text?

Answer: The Mamluk Sultanate

Explanation: The Ottoman conquest of Syria in 1516 occurred during the decline of the Mamluk Sultanate, which was the preceding political entity in the region.

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What does the term 'Sham' in the context of Ottoman Syria refer to?

Answer: The Arabic and Turkish name for the main Ottoman province in the region.

Explanation: 'Sham' is the Arabic and Turkish designation for the primary Ottoman province established in the Levant, often referred to historically as Bilad al-Sham.

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The definition of Ottoman Syria places it south of which mountain range?

Answer: The Taurus Mountains

Explanation: The geographical definition of Ottoman Syria establishes the Taurus Mountains as its northern boundary.

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Ottoman Administrative Structure: Eyalets and Sanjaks

Following the conquest in 1516, Sultan Selim I immediately reorganized Syria into the single large province of 'Sham'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Initially, Sultan Selim I maintained existing Mamluk administrative structures. Following his return from Egypt in 1517, Syria was reorganized into the eyalet of 'Sham'.

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An 'eyalet' was a smaller administrative division within an Ottoman province.

Answer: False

Explanation: An 'eyalet' was a primary administrative division, or province, within the Ottoman Empire, typically subdivided into sanjaks.

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A 'sanjak' was the largest administrative division in the Ottoman Empire, equivalent to a vilayet.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 'sanjak' was a subdivision within an eyalet or vilayet, representing a district, not the largest administrative division.

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The Sanjak of Zor was a primary administrative division equivalent to an eyalet during the Tanzimat period.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Tanzimat period, vilayets became the primary administrative divisions. Sanjaks were subdivisions within vilayets, and the Sanjak of Zor was one such district, not equivalent to an eyalet or vilayet.

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What does the term 'eyalet' signify in the Ottoman administrative structure?

Answer: A major administrative division or province.

Explanation: In the Ottoman administrative hierarchy, an 'eyalet' denoted a primary province or governorate.

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What was the administrative structure of Ottoman Syria primarily based on before the Tanzimat reforms?

Answer: Eyalets subdivided into Sanjaks

Explanation: Prior to the Tanzimat reforms, the Ottoman administrative system in Syria was primarily organized into eyalets, which were further divided into sanjaks.

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Administrative Reorganizations and Key Provinces (1549-18th Century)

In 1549, the administrative structure of Ottoman Syria was changed, creating the Eyalet of Damascus and the Eyalet of Aleppo.

Answer: True

Explanation: The administrative reorganization in 1549 established the Eyalet of Aleppo from the northern sanjaks, while the Eyalet of Damascus continued to govern the remaining territories.

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The Eyalet of Tripoli was established in 1579, taking territory previously part of the Aleppo province.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Eyalet of Tripoli was established in 1579 from territories that were previously part of the Eyalet of Damascus, not Aleppo.

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The Eyalet of Safed, later renamed the Eyalet of Sidon, was established in the 18th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Eyalet of Safed was established in 1660 and subsequently renamed the Eyalet of Sidon, predating the 18th century.

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The Eyalet of Aleppo, formed in 1549, included the Sanjak of Homs.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Eyalet of Aleppo, established in 1549, comprised several sanjaks, including Homs, Hama, and others.

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After 1579, the Eyalet of Damascus included the Sanjak of Tripoli.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the establishment of the Eyalet of Tripoli in 1579, the Sanjak of Tripoli was no longer part of the Eyalet of Damascus.

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The Eyalet of Safed was established in 1579 as part of the reorganization that also created the Eyalet of Tripoli.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Eyalet of Tripoli was established in 1579. The Eyalet of Safed was established later, in 1660.

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The Eyalet of Aleppo was formed in 1579 from territory previously part of the Damascus province.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Eyalet of Aleppo was formed in 1549. The Eyalet of Tripoli was formed in 1579 from territory previously part of the Damascus province.

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Which eyalet was formed in 1579 from territory previously belonging to the Damascus province?

Answer: Eyalet of Tripoli

Explanation: The Eyalet of Tripoli was established in 1579, carved out from territories formerly administered by the Eyalet of Damascus.

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The Eyalet of Aleppo, established around 1549, included which of the following sanjaks?

Answer: Adana

Explanation: The Eyalet of Aleppo, established in 1549, comprised several sanjaks, including Adana, Aleppo, and others.

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Which of the following was NOT part of the Eyalet of Damascus after 1579, according to the text?

Answer: Sanjak of Hama

Explanation: After 1579, the Eyalet of Damascus included sanjaks such as Nablus, Jerusalem, and Gaza. The Sanjak of Hama was part of the Eyalet of Tripoli.

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Which administrative unit was formed in 1549, with Aleppo as its center?

Answer: Eyalet of Aleppo

Explanation: The Eyalet of Aleppo was established in 1549, with Aleppo serving as its administrative center.

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The administrative divisions mentioned for the Eyalet of Tripoli after 1579 included:

Answer: Sanjaks of Tripoli and Latakia

Explanation: Following its establishment in 1579, the Eyalet of Tripoli encompassed sanjaks such as Tripoli and Latakia.

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The Tanzimat Reforms and the Vilayet System

The Tanzimat reforms led to the replacement of eyalets with larger administrative units called vilayets.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tanzimat reforms, particularly the Vilayet Law of 1864, standardized provincial administration by replacing the older eyalet system with vilayets.

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The 1864 Ottoman law standardized provincial administration by replacing vilayets with eyalets.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1864 Ottoman law standardized provincial administration by replacing the older eyalets with vilayets.

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The administrative divisions known as 'vilayets' were introduced before the Ottoman conquest of Syria in 1516.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vilayets were introduced as part of the Tanzimat reforms in the mid-19th century, long after the Ottoman conquest of Syria in 1516.

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Which administrative unit replaced the traditional 'eyalets' following the Tanzimat reforms and the law of 1864?

Answer: Vilayets

Explanation: The Vilayet Law of 1864 mandated the replacement of the older eyalet system with vilayets as the primary administrative divisions.

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Special Administrative Units: Mount Lebanon and Jerusalem

The Mount Lebanon Emirate was granted autonomous status within the Sidon province in 1667.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mount Lebanon Emirate received special autonomous status within the Eyalet of Sidon in 1667.

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Jerusalem was separated from the Syria Vilayet in 1872 to form a special administrative unit known as the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1872, Jerusalem and its environs were administratively detached from the Syria Vilayet to constitute the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem, a distinct administrative entity.

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The Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate was established in 1841 after the abolition of the Emirate's autonomous status.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mount Lebanon Emirate's autonomous status was abolished in 1841, but the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate was established later, in 1861, following the 1860 conflict.

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The Sanjak of Jerusalem was granted 'independent' status following the administrative reorganization of 1887-88.

Answer: True

Explanation: The administrative reorganization of 1887-88 designated the Sanjak of Jerusalem as an 'independent' administrative unit, separate from the Syria Vilayet.

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The Mutasarrifate of Mount Lebanon was established in 1861 as a reconfiguration of the earlier autonomous Emirate.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the 1860 conflict and international pressure, the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate was established in 1861, reconfiguring the region's prior autonomous status.

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The 1860 conflict in Damascus and Lebanon led to the establishment of the Mutasarrifate of Mount Lebanon in 1861.

Answer: True

Explanation: The civil conflict of 1860 precipitated the establishment of the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate in 1861, granting it a special administrative status.

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The administrative reorganization of 1872 created the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem, separating it from the Syria Vilayet.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1872, the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem was established as a distinct administrative unit, detached from the Syria Vilayet.

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Which of the following was NOT listed as a primary administrative division of Ottoman Syria between 1872 and World War I?

Answer: Eyalet of Damascus

Explanation: Between 1872 and World War I, the primary divisions included vilayets and mutasarrifates. The Eyalet of Damascus had been reorganized into vilayets prior to this period.

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What was the administrative status of Jerusalem after 1872?

Answer: It was separated to form the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem with special autonomous status.

Explanation: In 1872, Jerusalem was administratively separated from the Syria Vilayet to form the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem, a distinct entity with special status.

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The 1860 civil conflict in Mount Lebanon and Damascus ultimately led to:

Answer: The creation of the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate in 1861.

Explanation: The 1860 conflict resulted in the establishment of the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate in 1861, a special administrative unit governed by a non-Lebanese Christian.

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What was the administrative status of the Mount Lebanon Emirate before its reconfiguration in 1861?

Answer: It possessed special autonomous status within the Sidon province.

Explanation: Prior to 1861, the Mount Lebanon Emirate held a distinct autonomous status within the administrative framework of the Sidon province.

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What happened to the Mount Lebanon Emirate's autonomous status in 1841?

Answer: It was abolished.

Explanation: The autonomous status of the Mount Lebanon Emirate was abolished in 1841.

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The 1841 abolition of the Mount Lebanon Emirate's autonomy was followed by:

Answer: The establishment of the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate in 1861.

Explanation: The abolition of the Emirate's autonomy in 1841 preceded the establishment of the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate in 1861, which created a new administrative framework for the region.

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External Influences, Conflicts, and Later Ottoman Period

Muhammed Ali of Egypt gained control of the Syrian provinces in 1833 via the Convention of Kutahya.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Convention of Kutahya in 1833 formalized the cession of the Syrian provinces to Muhammed Ali of Egypt.

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The Ottoman firmans of 1839 and 1856 aimed to grant preferential treatment to Muslims over non-Muslims.

Answer: False

Explanation: These firmans aimed to establish equality between Muslim and non-Muslim subjects, though their implementation had complex and often negative consequences.

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The civil conflict in Mount Lebanon and Damascus in 1860 led to improved relations between Muslim and Christian communities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1860 conflict resulted in widespread violence against Christian communities and significantly strained inter-communal relations, leading to international intervention.

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The Sinai and Palestine campaign is listed as a significant event in the infobox timeline for Ottoman Syria.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Sinai and Palestine campaign, a major theater of World War I, is included in the timeline of significant events related to Ottoman Syria.

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Following World War I, Ottoman Syria was directly succeeded by the French Mandate administration.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following World War I, Ottoman Syria was succeeded by the Occupied Enemy Territory Administration, which was a transitional military administration before the establishment of mandates.

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Constantinople held no direct administrative authority over Ottoman Syria, which was fully autonomous locally.

Answer: False

Explanation: Constantinople, as the imperial capital, exercised ultimate administrative authority over Ottoman Syria, despite varying degrees of local governance.

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The Sykes–Picot Agreement is mentioned as a related topic, indicating its irrelevance to the post-Ottoman fate of Syria.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Sykes-Picot Agreement is highly relevant to the post-Ottoman fate of Syria, as it outlined the planned partition of Ottoman territories.

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What was the significance of the Convention of Kutahya in 1833 concerning Ottoman Syria?

Answer: It ceded the Syrian provinces to Muhammed Ali of Egypt.

Explanation: The Convention of Kutahya in 1833 formally transferred control of the Syrian provinces to Muhammed Ali of Egypt.

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The Ottoman firmans of 1839 and 1856, intended to promote equality, inadvertently led to:

Answer: Alienation among Muslims and violent incidents against Christian communities.

Explanation: The Tanzimat reforms, including the firmans of 1839 and 1856, aimed at equality but generated resentment among some Muslim populations, contributing to inter-communal violence.

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Which of the following events is listed in the infobox timeline for Ottoman Syria?

Answer: The First Egyptian-Ottoman War (1831-1833)

Explanation: The infobox timeline includes significant conflicts such as the First Egyptian-Ottoman War (1831-1833).

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Which of the following best describes the role of Constantinople in Ottoman Syria's administration?

Answer: It served as the central hub from which ultimate authority emanated.

Explanation: Constantinople, as the Ottoman capital, maintained ultimate administrative authority, directing policy and appointing officials for provinces like those in Syria.

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Historical Sources and Representations

A 1906 Geographical Dictionary described Syria as extending west of the Euphrates River.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1906 Geographical Dictionary defined Syria as extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River and the Syrian Desert.

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The 1915 ethnographic map focuses on the administrative divisions of the Ottoman Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: An ethnographic map, by definition, focuses on the distribution of ethnic or cultural groups, not administrative divisions.

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Luigi Mayer's 1810 illustration of Bethlehem shows the town during the period of Ottoman rule.

Answer: True

Explanation: The illustration by Luigi Mayer, dated 1810, depicts Bethlehem within the context of Ottoman Syria during that historical period.

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The 1851 map referenced in the article shows the Eyalets of Aleppo, Damascus, and Tripoli.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1851 map illustrates the administrative divisions of Ottoman Syria, including the Eyalets of Aleppo, Damascus, and Tripoli.

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According to the 1906 Geographical Dictionary of the World, what was the eastern boundary of Syria?

Answer: The Syrian Desert

Explanation: The 1906 Geographical Dictionary defined Syria's eastern extent as reaching the Euphrates River and the Syrian Desert.

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What does the reference 'Ottoman History Podcast: History of Ottoman Syria' suggest?

Answer: It indicates a related resource for further study on the topic.

Explanation: This reference points to an external resource, suggesting further avenues for scholarly exploration of Ottoman Syrian history.

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What does the inclusion of 'Authority control databases' signify for the topic 'Ottoman Syria'?

Answer: It indicates the topic is recognized and cataloged in major libraries.

Explanation: The presence of authority control database references signifies that 'Ottoman Syria' is a formally cataloged subject within academic and archival systems.

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The 1851 map referenced in the article shows Ottoman administrative divisions including:

Answer: Eyalets of Damascus, Tripoli, and Acre

Explanation: The 1851 map illustrates the administrative structure of Ottoman Syria, depicting the Eyalets of Damascus, Tripoli, and Acre.

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What does the 1915 ethnographic map likely depict?

Answer: The distribution of different ethnic or cultural groups.

Explanation: An ethnographic map typically illustrates the spatial distribution of various ethnic or cultural populations within a given region.

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What does the 1810 illustration by Luigi Mayer of Latakia depict?

Answer: A mosque in Latakia.

Explanation: The illustration by Luigi Mayer depicts a mosque in Latakia, providing a visual record of the city during the Ottoman period.

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