Absolute Obedience to the Sultan
Another result of this strict system of government was the complete obedience shown to the Grand Signior, or Sultan. Great
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
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
Religious Instruction and Translation
Many of the students devoted themselves to books that treated the matters of faith and religious law. These works were
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
Learning for the Duties of High Office
A great minister, or any high officer of the Empire, was expected to perform his duties with knowledge and judgment.
Effects of Strict Discipline and Separation
Because of the strict discipline of the Seraglio and the complete separation from women, the young men grew almost entirely
Prohibition of the Art of Printing
The art of printing, a subject long debated as to whether it has brought more benefit or harm to the
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