What was the octrot?

Answer 1

The octrot was a tax imposed by the Ottoman Empire on non-Muslims, particularly in rural areas. It was levied on agricultural produce, specifically a portion of the harvest, and was a means for the government to generate revenue from its subjects. The term is derived from the Arabic word "akhtaar," meaning "to take." This tax, among others, contributed to the economic challenges faced by non-Muslim communities within the empire.