Page "Oprichnina" Paragraph 9

The oprichnina consisted of a separate territory within the borders of Russia, mostly in the territory of the former Novgorod Republic in the north.

This region included many of the financial centers of the state, including the salt region of Staraia Russa and prominent merchant towns.

Ivan held exclusive power over the oprichnina territory.

The Boyar Council ruled the zemshchina (' land '), the second division of the state.

Until 1568, the oprichnina relied upon many administrative institutions under zemshchina jurisdiction.

Only when conflict between the zemshchina and oprichnina reached its peak did Ivan create independent institutions within the oprichnina.