Hello.

I want to learn more about the Ottoman police force and the way it was operating in the second half of the 19th century. As a Bulgarian, I am especially interested about the police in Bulgaria before the Liberation in 1878. So, say around 1850-1870.

Some specific questions:- what crimes/cases were investigated? Obviously any revolutionary/anti-Ottoman activism would be investigated and punished, but I am asking more about things like murder, theft, rape and missing persons. Let's say that I live in a Bulgarian village around 1850, what should I do if:- someone from my family is killed by an unkown perpetrator?- someone from my family is raped by an unkown perpetrator?- something I own (money, tools, animals, food etc.) is stolen?- someone I know suddenly disappears?Is there an analog of today's police stations - a place that I need to visit in the aforementioned cases, and explain what is the problem? What is the procedure? Is my case logged somewhere? Is there an investigator/detective, assigned to my case, who then starts to question/interrogate suspects and other people, check clues and documents and so on? In short, how would an episode of CSI: Ottoman Empire pan out? :)

Also, were there any patrol officers or the policemen were just appearing when called?

Sorry for my probably ignorant questions, I understand that my view on police (and, consequently, my questions) is too 21st century-centric and things were done differently back then. But I hope that you will help me understand. Thanks in advance!