It was common to see ships, called Sayres or Turkish vessels, passing through the Bosphorus, carrying Christian captives of all ages and both sexes. These ships often flew a flag on the main mast, either as a sign of victory or to indicate the type of cargo they carried. The exact number of slaves brought to Constantinople each year is not certain. It varied depending on wars and the success of the Tartars. However, customs records show that at least 2,000 slaves were imported each year. Most of these were women and children.
Conversion to Islam
Many of the Christian women and children easily adopted Islam. They were persuaded through kind words, promises of reward, or fear, and eventually became part of Turkish society. The men, often from Russia or Muscovy, were less devoted to their faith and generally less consistent in religion. Facing despair, threats, and the impossibility of returning home, many men gave up Christianity entirely. This process of forced or encouraged conversion contributed significantly to the population and culture of the Ottoman Empire Travel Bulgaria.
Family Life Among the Turks
Among Turks, family life was influenced by religious law and customs. Despite having the right to multiple wives, men were often less fertile than those who focused on one wife. In earlier times, some men were reported to have had very large families, sometimes fathering more than a hundred children. But over time, certain unhealthy practices, reportedly learned from Italians, reduced fertility. Wealthy men, who had the time and resources to indulge in these habits, were particularly affected.
The Role of Slaves in Society
Due to these practices and the neglect of natural family life, population growth among native Turks was slower than expected. Slaves played a critical role in maintaining the population, especially in households and the broader empire. They helped sustain the empire’s population and ensured the continuation of society, despite declining natural fertility among some segments of the population.