ZAPTIAH Meaning and
Definition
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Zaptiah is a relatively uncommon term that refers to an obsolete form of currency used in certain regions during the late Ottoman Empire. Derived from the Arabic word "zapt," meaning to seize or capture, the term originally referred to a military occupation or seizure conducted by the Ottoman forces. In the context of currency, the zaptiah was a silver coin that was introduced during the Tanzimat reforms of the mid-19th century. It was primarily in circulation in areas such as Egypt, Sudan, and Lebanon, which were under Ottoman rule during that period.
The zaptiah typically had a standardized weight and purity, usually minted at a weight of about 19 grams, consisting of 0.833 fine silver. It usually featured Arabic inscriptions, including the name of the Sultan, along with the date of minting and other decorative motifs. As a unit of currency, the zaptiah was subdivided into smaller denominations, such as the piastre or para, although these divisions varied across different regions.
Due to its limited circulation and eventual decline of the Ottoman Empire, the zaptiah became obsolete by the early 20th century. However, it remains a historical artifact of the once vast Ottoman Empire and serves as a reminder of a unique period in the monetary history of the Middle East and North Africa.
Common Misspellings for ZAPTIAH
Etymology of ZAPTIAH
The word "Zaptiah" comes from the Turkish word "zaptiye", which means "police" or "law enforcement". The Turkish term "zaptiye" was derived from the Arabic word "zabt", meaning "restraint" or "control". During the time of the Ottoman Empire, the Zaptiye units were the local police forces responsible for maintaining law and order. Over time, the term "zaptiye" evolved into "zaptiah", which is sometimes used to refer to police or law enforcement officers in certain regions.
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