The Shia and Their Beliefs
The Shia, a major sect within Islam, were historically regarded by many in the Ottoman Empire as heretical because their […]
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Belief in Predestination and Destiny
The Turks hold a strong belief that every person’s destiny is written on their forehead at birth. They call this
Protection from Burdens
Muhammad promises to free Christians from burdens and unfair treatment. They are not required to pay any taxes or contributions
The Imprisonment of the Venetian Ambassador
The Venetian ambassador, called the Bailo, was once imprisoned in the Ottoman Empire for performing his duties as a representative
Rivalry Among the Sons of the Sultan
The history of the sons of Suleiman the Magnificent shows clearly how dangerous rivalry between princes could be. When royal
The Former Tribute of Wallachia
In earlier times, the tribute paid by Wallachia to the Grand Signior (the Ottoman Sultan) was the same as that
The Unstable Nature of Power among the Turks
Stories like the one just told are common among the Turks. They clearly show how men are raised by fortune
Prohibition of the Art of Printing
The art of printing, a subject long debated as to whether it has brought more benefit or harm to the
The Return of the Stolen Jewels
Fearing that the jewels he had taken were meant to be worn only by the Grand Signior, Ali Bojiangi decided
The Advantage of Absolute Power in the Turkish Empire
The Strength Gained from Undivided Authority The importance and usefulness of absolute power in the Turkish state can clearly be