TRENDEFRAtlas of the Sultans · Glossary
Term · Provinces and land
Also known as: policy of accommodation
The policy of looking after the people of conquered lands, especially non-Muslim subjects, and winning their goodwill.
The word literally means “winning hearts”. Protecting the people of conquered places, guaranteeing the safety of life and property, granting religious freedom and easing taxes were its main elements. This policy played an important part in the rapid establishment of Ottoman rule in the Balkans.
Source: TDV Encyclopedia of Islam, article “İSTİMÂLET” (in Turkish); text condensed for the atlas.