The Santon Kalenderi and the Mystical Musician
Historical Background During the time of Sultan Mahomet II and his descendants, the Ottoman Empire was divided among his sons. […]
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Soldiers of Mixed Belief
Among certain sects in the Ottoman Empire, there is a group of people who mix Christianity and Islam in unusual
Condemnation of Heresy Among Persians
The Mufti of Constantinople issued a severe warning to the Persians regarding their religious practices. He stated that even if
Methods of Spreading the Turkish Religion
Although the Turks outwardly showed tolerance for other religions, their laws allowed them to enforce the Mahometan faith on people’s
Dealing with the Turks
The most effective way for a diplomat to negotiate with the Turks was firmness, consistency, and adherence to established customs.
Offices Given for Merit in Earlier Times
In earlier times of the Ottoman Empire, especially during its strongest and most successful periods, offices were often given as
Georgia and Mingrelia under Ottoman Rule
Some provinces of Georgia, which was once called Iberia, and the poor country of Mingrelia were also tributaries of the
The Government of Tripoli of Syria
The thirteenth province was the Government of Tarabolos al-Sham, also known as Tripoli of Syria. This province was located on
The Organization of the Women’s Chambers
Just as the Pages of the Seraglio are divided into two chambers, so too are the young women divided into
The Careful Choice of Officers
The Turks were very careful in choosing their officers. They preferred to be served by men they had raised and