Devotion and Religious Practice
Among certain religious sects in the Ottoman Empire, some followers spend entire nights bent toward the ground, reciting prayers and […]
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Superstitions and Magical Beliefs
In Persian culture, it was commonly believed that certain people possessed a strange power in their eyes that could bring
The Origins of Christianity and Mahometanism
It is well known that Christianity and Mahometanism (Islam) were introduced into the world under very different circumstances. Christianity’s Early
Dealing with the Turks
The most effective way for a diplomat to negotiate with the Turks was firmness, consistency, and adherence to established customs.
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 Emperor of Germany and the Ottoman Tribute
The Emperor of Germany may also be described, in a certain sense, as a tributary to the Ottoman Empire. We
The Government of Tripoli of Syria
The thirteenth province was the Government of Tarabolos al-Sham, also known as Tripoli of Syria. This province was located on
The Organization of the Women’s Chambers
Just as the Pages of the Seraglio are divided into two chambers, so too are the young women divided into
The Education of Young Men in the Seraglio
In the Ottoman Empire, the education of young men in the Seraglio (the royal palace) was carefully organized to prepare
The Fall of Feminine Rule
Growing Anger Among the Soldiers For a long time, the government was effectively ruled by women and court favorites. This