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De fanarioten: Griekse elite in Osmaanse dienst

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Abstract

The Phanariotes were a Greek-speaking Orthodox Christian elite in the Ottoman Empire. They were called ‘Phanariotes’ as most of them had a mansion in the Fanar district in Istanbul. Having accumulated huge fortunes as traders and tax farmers, they acquired a considerable influence on the dealings of the Patriarchate of Constantinople which financially depended on them as money lenders. The Phanariotes became even more powerful in the 17th century as grand dragomans – translators, secretaries and advisors to the grand vizier. In this capacity, they were involved in all major peace negotiations with foreign powers and the making of the international treaties which decided the fate of the empire. They reached the peak of their power, wealth and cultural radiation in the 18th century as hospodars (rulers) of the Ottoman vassal states Wallachia and Moldavia. As some Phanariote families had been involved in the Greek War for Independence, the sultans lost their confidence in the Fanariotes as reliable administrators. In the 19th century, the Phanariotes merged with the Greek bourgeoisie in the Ottoman Empire and in Greece and only individuals still played a role of importance, mainly in diplomacy.

How to Cite:

Detrez, R., (2011) “De fanarioten: Griekse elite in Osmaanse dienst”, Tetradio 20(1): 1, 7–31. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tetradio.91805