The state at the tip of the arrow: archery in Ottoman society and bureaucracy between 1567 and 1574

This study analyzes the role of archery in Ottoman military and society between 1567 and 1574 through archival documents from the Mühimme Registers. It aims to demonstrate that archery was not an obsolete practice but a complex institution vital for imperial administration. The findings reveal a highly organized system for arrow production, a pragmatic policy of accepting cash substitutes (bedel) for military service, and the crucial role of archery in coastal defense, as evidenced by orders countermanding the disarming of guards. The study concludes that the Ottoman state effectively integrated traditional archery with new firearms, maintaining it as a cornerstone of logistics, culture, and security, reflecting an adaptable and sophisticated military administration.