Auxiliary Military Forces in the Ottoman Empire
More Than the Regular Army The Ottoman Empire relied not only on its famous Janissaries, Sipahis, and Timariots but also […]
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The Leader of the Pilgrimage and the Gifts Sent to Mecca
Organizing the Pilgrimage The writer explains that the annual pilgrimage to Mecca involved many thousands of people. Because such a
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 Role of the Sword in Promoting Mahometan Faith
The Mahometan faith was often promoted entirely through warfare. Soldiers were taught in their catechism that those who died fighting
Decline of French Influence in the Ottoman Court
At one time, the French ambassador enjoyed special privileges in the Ottoman Empire. He was invited to secret councils and
The Roman Example of Citizenship
The Romans clearly understood the advantage of welcoming foreigners into their state. They created a law called jus civitatis, which
Rebellions Among the Pashas
Throughout Ottoman history, there were occasional revolts by powerful Pashas who commanded their own armies. One notable example is when
The Government of Baghdad (Babylon)
The Government of Baghdad, also called Babylon, was one of the most important provinces of the Ottoman Empire in the