Moldavia and Its Early Submission
Moldavia, which the Turks called “Eugdan,” first became a tributary state under Sultan Mehmed the Great. At that time, the […]
Lands of Constant War
These provinces have long been known as places of great struggle and suffering. In many wars between the Ottoman Empire
The Arz Agalar and Their Special Role
There were nine officers in the Seraglio known as the Arz Agalar. These men held a special privilege: they were
Envy Rivalry and Court Politics
Emulation and flattery were powerful forces in the Ottoman court. Many rival groups and factions competed for influence, and this
Increase in Pay and Advancement
As the pages advanced in rank and responsibility, their pay and daily allowance also increased. At first, they received only
The Danger and Glory of the Highest Office
The office of the Prime Vizier was not only the highest position of duty and trust in the empire, but
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 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 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
Different Policies for Old and New Lands
It is important to explain another point of Ottoman policy. While the Turks believed it was useful to keep some