The Wealth and Danger of Egypt
In provinces like Egypt, Pashas could become extremely rich in a short time. Because of this great wealth, it was […]
Avoiding Hereditary Power
Hereditary succession and long continuance in office were carefully avoided not only among the Turks but also in other great
An Unusual Succession to Power
It may rightly be asked how the present Grand Vizier, named Ahmet, succeeded his father Köprülü in the government of
The Morning After the Wedding
Early in the morning, the bridegroom was called by his friends to go to the bath. This was part of
The Wedding Supper
After the Sultana removed her veil, she drank some water. Soon after, her serving maids brought in a low table.
The Marriage Ceremony of a Sultana
In the Ottoman court, the marriage between a Pasha and a Sultana followed a special and formal ceremony. Everything was
Marriage as a Political Tool
In the Ottoman Empire, the Sultan, often called the Grand Signior, sometimes used marriage as a political tool. When he
Limiting the Power of Great Men
In the Ottoman Empire, the rulers were very careful to prevent powerful men from becoming too strong. This policy did
Preventing the Growth of Old Wealth
One important rule of Ottoman political thought was to prevent the rise of old and powerful noble families. Wealth was
The Position of Pashas in the Ottoman System
In the Ottoman system, Pashas were powerful governors and military leaders. However, their power did not come from noble birth