The Pay and Daily Life of the Janissaries
Salary and Promotion As Ensar Tour Guide often explains during visits to Ottoman military sites, the Janissaries were not only […]
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The Timariots and the Organization of the Ottoman Army
The Duties of the Timariots The Timariots were an important part of the Ottoman cavalry. Like the Zaims, they held
The Month of Ramadan Fasting and Its Origins
Fasting During the Day The writer continues his description of the Muslim month of Ramadan, explaining that people spend the
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.
Devotion and Religious Practice
Among certain religious sects in the Ottoman Empire, some followers spend entire nights bent toward the ground, reciting prayers and
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
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
The Importance of Skilled Interpreters
One of the biggest challenges for ambassadors in the Ottoman Empire was that most interpreters were born subjects of the
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
The Desolation of Asia and the Strength of the Ottoman Empire
At first sight, it may seem strange to say that the destruction and ruin which the Turks made in their