The Policy of the Ottoman Empire Towards the Arab and Kurdish Tribes in Mosul After the Return of Central Rule in 1834 AD

Dr. Saja Qahtan Muhammad Qaba (pp. 108–119)

Abstract

The tribes in the Mosul region played a significant political and social role, compelling the Ottoman authorities to engage with them carefully. Some tribes, such as Shammar Al-Jarba in the Jazeera region, possessed political and military influence, which the Ottomans attempted to leverage both before and after the restoration of direct rule. The Ottoman administration often alternated between conciliatory policies and strategies to exploit internal disputes among clan leaders to secure control, extract resources, and maintain dominance. Efforts by Medhat Pasha to settle the tribes were met with resistance, as the tribes recognized the state’s intent: facilitating taxation, enforcing conscription, and ensuring loyalty to the Ottoman government. Furthermore, the involvement of foreign agents, including consuls and archaeologists, amplified tribal leverage in negotiations, allowing them to influence the Ottoman authorities while preserving their autonomy.

Keywords: The Ottoman Empire, Arab and Kurdish clans, Central rule