The Duties of the Janissary Officers and Family Life
The Cook’s Important Role Within each Janissary chamber, the cook (Aşçı) held a position that was far more important than […]
T13b
Estimating the Size of the Ottoman Army
The Challenge of Counting Soldiers Determining the exact size of the Ottoman army was never an easy task. Historical writers
Bayram Ceremonies at the Ottoman Palace
Preparing for the Festival The writer continues his description of the Bayram celebrations by explaining the ceremonies held inside the
Criticism and Reputation of the Bektashi Order
Opposition from Religious Authorities Despite its influence, the Bektashi order was strongly criticized by a group of strict religious scholars
The Seels Devoted Preachers of Morality
The Seels are a sect within the Muslim community, founded by Mahomet to guide the minds of ordinary people toward
Influence of a Prince on His Subjects
Where the example of a ruler permits certain actions, his subjects—whether soldiers or lawyers—often follow without hesitation. They believe that
The Mahometan Representation of Heaven
The Mahometan religion presents a very physical and material view of heaven. It describes delights for the followers with gross
The Ottoman View of the Holy Roman Emperor
The Turks understood that the Holy Roman Emperor alone was not very strong. His own forces, by themselves, were considered
Converts Who Became Zealous Turks
Many of those who converted to Islam did not remain half-hearted believers. Over time, they became fully part of Turkish
Different Policies for Old and New Lands
It is important to explain another point of Ottoman policy. While the Turks believed it was useful to keep some