The grain t~ade gives a reveali~g picture of economic life in general in the Ottornan.empire. Although the state.did -,not have a monopolyof the grain market it nonetheless set limitsand guidelinesthat ensuredthe provision of food for' its populationand prote'cted the interests ofthe producers. Herein lied the smodth functioningof the attornan system. The necessary regulations and adjustmentsby the state concerning commercial praetice, asexpressed in legislation and in loeal regulations, eonstituted one of the most characteristie features of the Otto- 'man system, a feature that was closely linked with state provisions forthe supply of thearmy and for the supply of the major centres of consumption in the empire.