Sects and Heresies Among the Turks
It is commonly believed that there are seventy-two sects among the Turks, though the actual number is probably higher. The […]
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Protection of Christians and Their Homes
Christians are allowed to take shelter in a safe place and are responsible for protecting themselves and defending their religion.
Turkish View of Ambassadors
In the Ottoman Empire, ambassadors were often treated harshly, in ways very different from the respectful customs of ancient Rome
Greater Security for Trade and Property
The special rule requiring written proof brought great safety to trade and to the estates of merchants. Before this protection,
The Annual Tribute to the Sultan
From the time of the first agreement, the tribute of Ragusa continued without interruption. Every year, in the month of
The Sultan’s Table at the Vizier’s Expense
The Grand Signior often demands twenty dishes of meat, which is the usual amount served at his ordinary table. On
The Silent Language of the Ottoman Court
One of the most unusual features of the Ottoman court was the use of mutes, whose language of signs was
Kara-Hajjan Visits the Grand Signior
Kara-Hajjan, the newly elected Aga of the Janizaries, went to the Seraglio to thank the Grand Signior for the honor
The Structure of Slavery in Ottoman Government
A Government Built on Servitude If a person carefully considers the structure of the entire Turkish government, he will find
Artists of the Older School
Among the remaining artists of the older school, most can be described as conventional in style. They followed established rules