The Pay and Discipline of the Janissaries
A Well-Paid Military Corps The Janissaries were among the best-supported soldiers in the Ottoman Empire. They received regular salaries, daily […]
T21b
Estimating the Size of the Ottoman Army
The Challenge of Counting Soldiers Determining the exact size of the Ottoman army was never an easy task. Historical writers
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
Rebellions Among the Pashas
Throughout Ottoman history, there were occasional revolts by powerful Pashas who commanded their own armies. One notable example is when
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 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
The Corruption of Bektas Aga
False Wealth and Debased Coinage On the opposite side stood Bektas Aga, who felt completely secure in his position and
A Humble Address to a Statesman
The author begins by expressing humility. He admits that it would be great presumption for him to offer personal observations
The Lasting Role of Settled Foreign Artists
Foreign artists played an important role in the early development of fine arts in Bulgaria. However, their influence was not
The Bayram Festival and the Ceremonies of the Ottoman Court
The Two Bayram Festivals The writer explains that Muslims in the Ottoman Empire celebrated two important religious festivals each year.