Estimating the Strength of the Ottoman Cavalry
The Importance of the Zaims and Timariots The Zaims and Timariots formed the backbone of the Ottoman cavalry for many […]
T15a
The Month of Ramadan and Fasting in Islam
Historical Background The passage begins with the author’s comments on the political struggles between the Ottoman Empire and the Christian
The Convents and Appearance of the Edhem Order
Main Convents in Persia The main convents of this religious order are found in the cities of Persia, especially in
The Bektafi Sect Among the Janissaries
One of the more subtle and unusual sects among the Janissaries is called the Bektafi, named after a leader called
Religious Hatred Between Turks and Persians
The conflict between the Turks and Persians was not only political but also deeply religious. Ottoman rulers often presented their
Restrictions on Christian Churches
The Mahometan religion allowed Christians to keep their old churches and houses of worship, but with strict limits. Churches and
The Role of Gifts and Gratuities
In the Ottoman Empire, gifts and gratuities were a common and necessary part of diplomacy. Ambassadors often needed to give
Fear and Uncertainty in Government
In the Ottoman Empire, it sometimes happened that a man was appointed to govern a province, even though the ruler
The Principles of Turkish Policy
The Ottoman Empire was ruled by methods very different from those of many European states. The Turks governed their lands
The Government of Kars
The fifteenth province was the Government of the Pasha of Kars, a city located near Erzurum, close to the eastern