Document 9
…the impact of [ottoman] turkish rule upon all sectors of balkan society was profound. most
of its aristocracy were killed though a minority was absorbed into the ruling class when, in
keeping with ottoman practice, the sultan took over their lands. in contrast, the peasantry, who
worked the land, paid most of the taxes and were liable for military service, were treated much
better than before. they were protected by the new landlords and had their feudal services
abolished. apart from the frontier regions, most of the balkans were spared that cultural and
religious destruction usually associated with armies of occupation. christians, though
encouraged to convert to islam, were allowed religious toleration and mixed marriages, and the
comparative freedom and contentment enjoyed by its people is one of the most important
explanations why the balkans remained under ottoman rule for over 400 years.…
source: geoffrey woodward, “the ottomans in europe,” history review, march 2001
according to geoffrey woodward, what were two effects ottoman rule had on balkan society?