The Rise of the Bostancıs
Among the Bostancıs (also written as Bostangees), some were promoted to a higher rank and were called Hasaki, a title
Origins of the Palace Servants
These servants were rarely the sons of native-born Turks. Instead, they were gathered each year, as previously mentioned, from the
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 End of the Private Ceremony
After the formal ceremonies and private meeting have ended, the woman chosen by the Grand Signior is returned to the
The Sultan’s Appearance in the Garden
When the Grand Signior wishes to spend time in the palace garden with a chosen number of women, a signal
The Dwarfs of the Ottoman Court
In the Ottoman court, there was another group of attendants besides the Pages and the Mutes. These were the Dwarfs,
Education Beyond School Learning
In addition to lessons in reading, writing, and physical exercise outside the school, the young men of the Seraglio were
The Gerit A Dangerous Sport on Horseback
One of the most popular sports among the Ottoman court pages was the Gerit, also known as Dart throwing on
Physical Training and Strength
When the young men reach adolescence and full physical strength, they begin serious training in manly exercises. They are taught
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.