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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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
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 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 Province of Damascus (Scham)
The fourth great province of the Ottoman Empire was Scham, better known as Damascus. This province held a very important
The White Eunuchs and Their Rank
These officers described above are the principal and senior officers among the White Eunuchs of the Seraglio. Besides them, there
The Careful Choice of Officers
The Turks were very careful in choosing their officers. They preferred to be served by men they had raised and
Fear Ambition and Rival Factions at Court
The Mother’s Growing Fear The Sultan’s mother, already shaken by the violent death of her husband, soon became deeply fearful