The Sabiny Sect
The sect called Sabiny, though formally Mahometans, seems to differ greatly from other followers of Islam. While most Muslims take […]
T45b
The Sin of Polygamy
Another serious wrongdoing among you is the practice of one woman being joined to many men. To whom, then, do
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
Turkish Views of Spain
The Turks paid little real attention to the King of Spain. However, the presence of Spanish exiles in Constantinople, known
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
Hereditary Succession and Nobility in Ottoman Policy
The Ottoman Empire followed a very different approach to government compared to European monarchies. One of the main policies of
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
The Fate of the Sultan’s Consorts After His Death
After the death of the Grand Signior, different rules applied to the women of the Seraglio depending on whether they
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 Vizier Faces the Janissary Leaders
A Cold and Calculated Reception When the Grand Vizier arrived at the mosque, Bektas Aga did not come forward to