In 1821, the Greek population under Ottoman rule faced a complex and often heavy taxation system. The amount each person paid varied based on social class, economic activity, and geographic location. Converting these historical taxes into modern currency gives us a clearer perspective on the financial burden of the time.
The Jizya – A Mandatory Head Tax
One of the most significant taxes imposed on non-Muslims was the jizya, a head tax required of Christians and Jews, as they were considered "dhimmi" (protected but subordinate subjects). The amount depended on an individual’s economic status, ranging from 20 to 50 Ottoman grosia (kurus) annually.
Given that one grosi was worth approximately €0.50 to €1 in today’s money, the jizya tax would have been around €10 to €50 per person per year.
Agricultural Taxes and Land Levies
Farmers had to surrender 10% of their agricultural produce as tax. For example, if a farmer harvested 100 kilograms of wheat, 10 kilograms went directly to the Ottoman administration.
Additionally, Greeks living on land owned by vakoufia—Ottoman religious institutions—had to pay extra fees for the right to cultivate the land.
Church Taxes and Forced Contributions
While the Greek Orthodox Church was allowed to collect certain taxes for its own expenses, these were added on top of the general Ottoman taxes.
During times of war or economic crisis, additional emergency levies were imposed, often used to fund military campaigns or supply the Ottoman army with food and materials.
Forced Labor and Military Conscription
Apart from monetary taxes, Greek subjects were also required to provide free labor for public works, such as building roads, bridges, and fortifications.
In some cases, taxation went beyond money—Christian families sometimes lost their sons to the devshirme system, where young boys were forcibly taken and trained as Janissary soldiers in the Ottoman military.
Estimating the Total Tax Burden in Modern Currency
When combining the various forms of taxation—jizya, agricultural levies, additional fees, and forced contributions—the estimated annual tax burden per person ranged from €100 to €300 in today’s money.
This was a substantial amount for the time, equivalent to 300–600 grosia in Ottoman currency. To put this into perspective, let’s examine what an individual could buy with that amount.
What Could 300 Grosia Buy in 1821?
Food: A kilogram of bread cost 1 grosi, meaning 300 grosia could buy 300 kg of bread.
Wine: A 50-liter barrel of wine cost 10–15 grosia, allowing a person to purchase 20–40 barrels.
Olive Oil: Ten kilograms cost 5–7 grosia, so 300 grosia could buy 50–100 kg.
Meat: A kilogram of lamb cost 2–3 grosia, meaning 100–150 kg of meat could be purchased.
Livestock:
A horse cost 100–150 grosia, so a taxpayer might afford 2–3 horses.
A donkey cost 20–30 grosia, allowing for 10–15 donkeys or 5–7 mules.
Property:
A small house in a village cost 400–600 grosia, meaning a year’s taxes could cover about half the cost.
A 5–10-acre plot of farmland ranged from 150 to 300 grosia, making it possible to purchase a modest piece of land.
Weapons and Military Supplies:
A high-quality rifle (kariofili) cost 150–200 grosia, so a taxpayer could afford two rifles.
A sword cost 50–100 grosia, and a full year’s supply of gunpowder and bullets for battle ranged from 100–200 grosia.
The Significance of the Tax Burden
For the average Greek under Ottoman rule, paying 300 grosia in taxes meant they could have otherwise secured a year’s worth of food, livestock, or essential supplies. While it was a significant sum, it was not enough to buy a home or establish substantial wealth. However, in times of crisis, even this amount could be the difference between survival and hardship.
Understanding these historical tax burdens helps provide insight into the economic struggles faced by the Greek population leading up to the War of Independence.
