Microsoft Word hoArab Civilizati doc

The Arabs Under Ottoman Rule 

In many respects the Ottoman conquests did not involve substantial changes in Syria, 

Egypt, the Hejaz, and the parts of Iraq under Ottoman rule. Ottoman domination 

substituted one elite for another, though in Egypt, the Mamluks continued to serve under 

Ottoman stewardship. However, Ottoman rule brought the Arab world into the historical 

rhythm of the larger empire. In the 16

th

 and part of the 17

th

 century, the Ottoman fostered 

irrigation and agricultural developments, repressed Bedouin violence, and managed a 

relatively equitable system of taxation. 

By the 18

th

 century, however, the decline of central authority within the Ottoman Empire 

undermined the security of the Arab provinces. Local governors established their 

effective independence from Istanbul. Factional and communal interests degenerated into 

fratricidal struggles. Bedouin violence grew unchecked. Agriculture declined. Taxation 

became rapacious and heedless of the security of the peasantry. Throughout much of the 

Middle East, Muslim religious and cultural life stagnated. Nevertheless, the autonomy 

achieved by the 18

th

 century allowed Egypt to thrive.