TRENDEFRAtlas of the Sultans · Glossary
Term · Sovereignty and central government
Also known as: nişan
A sultan's document bearing the tughra that confirmed an appointment, the grant of a revenue or a privilege.
A berat was valid only during the reign of the sultan who issued it and had to be renewed when a new sultan came to the throne. Berats were also renewed when a new survey (tahrir) was made in a region. Timar holders, kadis and patriarchs received their offices by berat.
Source: TDV Encyclopedia of Islam, article “BERAT” (in Turkish); text condensed for the atlas.