This study delves into the spatial dimensions of the imperial administration mechanism in the early nineteenth-century Ottoman Caucasus, with a specific focus on the fortress of Anapa and the Circassian tribes. It investigates the military recruitment practices of Circassian mountaineer tribes by Ottoman fortress commanders in Anapa and their subsequent integration into the imperial polity before the 1828-29 Russian-Ottoman War. By utilizing Circassian recruitment as a lens to understand the concept of imperial governance, this research highlights the pivotal role played by provincial notables (ayan) in the functioning of the empire. The main theme of this research is to explore the role of the province in governing borderlands. Placing provincial dynamics at its core, the study argues that an examination of the selection criteria employed by the Ottoman government and the qualities sought in appointed candidates for various administrative posts necessitates a reevaluation of the Ottoman administrative mechanism's reliance on provincial networks. During the time span of this study, two different fortress commanders with distinct personal agendas and unique characteristics oversaw the recruitment of the Circassians. Within this framework, this study analyzes how the socio-political identities of different fortress commanders, along with their interaction with various imperial policies, assured the resilience and innovativeness of provincial notables, as well as the flexibility of the Ottoman government. Drawing on archival sources, this research seeks to elucidate the significance of the province in imperial governance and empire-making processes in the Ottoman Caucasus during the early nineteenth century. By focusing on the spatial dynamics of military recruitment and provincial administration, it aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of Ottoman governance and the role of provincial relationships in shaping imperial policies. This study offers a nuanced exploration of the governance of a particular borderland area in the Ottoman Caucasus, shedding light on the spatial intricacies of military recruitment, locals’ integration, and governance in the region. It hopes to enrich scholarly discussions on empire, governance, and borderlands within the Middle East and the Caucasus.