The Silent Language of the Ottoman Court
One of the most unusual features of the Ottoman court was the use of mutes, whose language of signs was
Affection and Attachment Among Women
According to early observers, strong emotional attachments were also said to exist among women within Ottoman society. These writers claimed
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
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
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
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
The Limits of Turkish Philosophy
From what has been described so far, the reader may understand the general depth of Turkish philosophy as it was
Favoritism Among the Ottoman Rulers
Historical writers often claimed that even the Grand Signiors themselves were not free from strong personal passions. According to these