Ambition to Rise Through Learning
Many students directed their studies toward mastering the art of writing, hoping to rise to honor and high office through […]
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
Complaints Against Corrupt Officers
The dervish continued his complaint by saying that the officers responsible for public order were careless and negligent in correcting
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
Honor of Serving in the Royal Chamber
Those who, through the grace and favor of the Sultan, reached the dignity of serving in the Royal Chamber enjoyed
Promotion as Offices Become Vacant
As offices within the Ottoman Empire became vacant, replacements were chosen in an orderly manner. These appointments were usually made
The Method of Turkish Studies in the Seraglio
In the earlier chapters, we have mainly described the education of young scholars in the Seraglio with regard to physical
Religious Instruction and Translation
Many of the students devoted themselves to books that treated the matters of faith and religious law. These works were
Uncertainty of Power and Failed Predictions
Astrological predictions concerning the unstable condition of great ministers were rarely accurate or pleasing. Those who practiced such forecasting often