Crisis at the Court of the Grand Signior
Advice from the Inner Circle During this dangerous moment, the Grand Signior received urgent advice from two powerful figures within […]
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
The Ambition of the Old Queen
The Rise of a Child Sultan After the death of Sultan Ibrahim, who was killed by a conspiracy of the
Obedience and Discipline in the Turkish Military
The Training of Absolute Obedience Obedience was carefully taught and deeply instilled in the Turkish military. This discipline began early
The Structure of Slavery in Ottoman Government
A Government Built on Servitude If a person carefully considers the structure of the entire Turkish government, he will find
The Ottoman Court as a Gilded Prison
A Court That Resembles a Prison Anyone who carefully observes the Ottoman court will soon discover that it is, in
Flattery and Servile Behavior in the Seraglio
A Culture of Excessive Submission Within the walls of the Seraglio there appears a kind of planned and practiced baseness
The Meaning of “Kul” in the Ottoman State
Servants of the Crown All those who receive wages from the imperial treasury, or who hold any office connected with
Law Liberty and the Happiness of Free Subjects
The Blessing of Rule Limited by Law Although absolute power may help a ruler act quickly, it is a great
The Emperor’s Power Within and Beyond the Law
Power That Appears Limited, Yet Is Not It may be said that the Emperor cannot truly be called a prisoner,