The Munafihi Sect
The Munafihi is a sect that is strongly influenced by Pythagorean ideas. They believe in the metempsychosis, or the transmigration […]
T11b
Accusations Against the Persians
The author accuses the Persians of extreme cruelty toward other Muslims. According to him, their books and teachings justify actions
Attitude of the Turks Toward Jews
The Turks have historically disliked and mistrusted the Jews. They often called them “forsaken by God” because Jews were spread
Hungarian Allegiance and the Emperor
Many Hungarians were reluctant to remain fully loyal to the Holy Roman Emperor. The Emperor did not offer them freedom
Reflection on the Blessings of a Free Country
Before ending the previous chapter, the writer pauses to reflect with gratitude on the happiness and freedom of his own
The Strategic Advantage of Empty Lands
Another important advantage of keeping certain regions thinly populated was military defense. If a foreign enemy tried to enter the
The Beglerbegs Who Held the Rank of Vizier
Among all the Beglerbegs, five held the special and honorable title of Vizier, a word that means counsellor or chief
The Rise of the Bostancıs
Among the Bostancıs (also written as Bostangees), some were promoted to a higher rank and were called Hasaki, a title
Clothing and Diet
The young men in the Seraglio are well-dressed, wearing good-quality English cloth and linen, but not overly fine or luxurious.
The Principles of Ottoman Power and Survival
Dismissing Warnings and Overconfidence Some of the Janissary officers strongly advised that the Vizier should be removed at once, using