From Bulgarian Beach to Open Water
A beach holiday gives you a familiar view of the sea: the water ahead, the sand behind and the shoreline
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Personal Istanbul Tours from Bulgaria for a Better City Break
Choose a trip shaped around you Travelers from Bulgaria often look to Istanbul for a short cultural escape filled with
A journey beyond Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers Roman ruins, Black Sea beaches, mountain trails, and lively city squares. For travelers who want to add a
The Timar System and Its Decline
Sultan Suleiman’s Military Reforms The Timar system was organized by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent as one of the most effective
The Ottoman Prohibition of Pork and Wine
Religious Rules in the Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire followed the teachings of Islam, and religion played an important role
Concubines Marriage and Family Honor in the Ottoman Empire
Concubines and Female Slaves The author explains that, according to Ottoman custom and Islamic law as he understood it, a
The Haireti Sect
Another sect, very different from the one mentioned before, is called the Haireti. The name means “amazed” or “uncertain.” The
Disagreements between Religious Sects
Opponents of the Mu‘tazilites In the history of Islamic theology, many groups argued about the nature of God and His
Qualifications of the Emaums
The Emaums, or local parish priests, must meet certain basic requirements before they can serve in their office. First, they
The Turks’ Attitude Toward Alliances with Foreign Princes
Religious Beliefs and Their Influence According to this old text, the Turks were believed to look at alliances with foreign