Zaheregiu was the name given to grain traders in the Balkans during the Ottoman empire. They were mainly concerned with supplying the Ottoman army. During the frequent Russo-Turkish wars of the 18th and centuries the Ottoman army paid by the sultan's treasury were prohibited from plundering so as to enable a rhythmic and orderly supply of the army. The zaheregii were in charge both for supplying grain for storage in the cities where the troops were garrisoned as well as for supplies of cereals and hay during the campaigns.
Therefore the zaheregii usually moved with the armies and were in charge of locally purchasing the needed supplies. They had to know the areas in which the armies were moving and to have the appropriate local contacts.
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