BEGLERBEG, a governor of one of the principal governments in the Turkish empire, and next in
No 44.
dignity to the grand vizier. To every beglerbeg the grand signior gives three ensigns or slaves, trimmed with a horse-tail; to distinguish them from the bashaws, who have but two; and from simple begs, or fangiak begs, who have but one.
The province or government of beglerbeg is called beglerbeglik, or beglerbeglik. These are of two sorts; the first called basile beglerbeglik, which have a certain rent assigned out of the cities, countries, and signiories allotted to the principality; the second called salane beglerbeglik, for maintenance of which is annexed a salary or rent, collected by the grand signior's officers with the treasure of the empire. The beglerbegs of the first sort are in number 22, viz. those of Anatolia, Carmania, Diarbekir, Damascus, Aleppo, Tripoli, Trebizond, Buda, Temiswar, &c. The beglerbegs of the second sort are in number six, viz. those of Cairo, Babylon, &c. Five of the beglerbegs have the title of viziers, viz. those of Anatolia, Babylon, Cairo, Romania, and Buda.
The beglerbegs appear with great state, and a large retinue, especially in the camp, being obliged to bring a soldier for every 5000 aspers of rent which they enjoy. Those of Romania brought 10,000 effective men into the field.
The beglerbegs are become almost independent, and have under their jurisdiction several fangiaks or particular governments, and begs, agas, and other officers who obey them.