How Do You Spell CAIMACAM?

Pronunciation: [kˈe͡ɪmɐkˌam] (IPA)

The word "Caimacam" is a term used in the Ottoman Empire to describe a governor or district-officer. It is pronounced in IPA phonetic transcription as /kaɪməkæm/. The first syllable "kai" is pronounced with the long "ai" sound and the emphasis is placed on the first syllable. The second syllable "ma" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, and the final syllable "cam" is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by a hard "c" sound, as in the word "cat." Overall, the spelling of "Caimacam" reflects a blend of Turkish and Arabic influences.

CAIMACAM Meaning and Definition

1. A caimacam is an administrative or political position that was prevalent in the Ottoman Empire during the 18th and 19th centuries. The term originated from the Turkish word "kaymakam," which refers to a subordinate governor or official appointed by the sultan.

   In the Ottoman Empire, the caimacams acted as the agents of the governor in specific provinces or districts. They were responsible for managing and governing the local population, collecting taxes, ensuring law and order, and reporting to higher-ranking authorities. The caimacams were typically selected from the local elites or educated class, often drawn from different ethnic or religious backgrounds.

   The caimacams were known for their administrative authority, but their power was limited as they operated within the hierarchical structure of the empire. They relied on the support of the local community and the governor to carry out their duties effectively. Their role varied depending on the province or district they were assigned to, as local conditions and challenges differed throughout the empire.

   However, the position of a caimacam gradually diminished in importance during the late 19th century as the Ottoman Empire underwent reforms and modernization efforts. The centralization of power and the introduction of new administrative structures led to the decline and eventual abolishment of the caimacams.

Common Misspellings for CAIMACAM

• xaimacam
• vaimacam
• faimacam
• daimacam
• czimacam
• csimacam
• cwimacam
• cqimacam
• caumacam
• cajmacam
• cakmacam
• caomacam
• ca9macam
• ca8macam
• cainacam
• caikacam
• caijacam
• caimzcam
• caimscam

Etymology of CAIMACAM

The word "Caimacam" has its roots in the Turkish language. In the Ottoman Empire, a caimacam was a subordinate administrator or governor of a sanjak (a territorial subdivision). The term is derived from the Turkish words "kaymakam" or "kaymakamı", which mean "deputy governor" or "sub-governor". The Turkish word "kaymakam" itself is a compound word consisting of "kaymak" (cream, indicating excellence or high position) and "kam" (derived from the Arabic word "qāʾim" meaning "standing", indicating a position of authority). Over time, the term "Caimacam" became an anglicized version used in English to refer to these Ottoman officials.