A Source of Motivation and Promotion the Otoman Army: “Terakki” Allocation

It is a known fact that in the Ottoman State instead of “aristocracy”, “meritocracy” -evaluation of individuals proper to their merits- is effective. For, promotion of individuals according to this system both strengthened their loyalty to the state and increased their motivation. Thanks to this application, as the state could expand its borders, it could also establish a strong dominance over the conquered lands. In this article, from this prevision forth, as a source of motivation and promotion, how “terakki” allocation, an awarding method in the Ottoman army and timar system, effected especially the timar and zeamet holders and in what degree it had been successful have been evaluated in the light of Ottoman archive documents and related revised materials and compilation.