The Santon Kalenderi and the Mystical Musician
Historical Background During the time of Sultan Mahomet II and his descendants, the Ottoman Empire was divided among his sons. […]
T23a
Devotion and Religious Practice
Among certain religious sects in the Ottoman Empire, some followers spend entire nights bent toward the ground, reciting prayers and
Religious Hatred Between Turks and Persians
The conflict between the Turks and Persians was not only political but also deeply religious. Ottoman rulers often presented their
Methods of Spreading the Turkish Religion
Although the Turks outwardly showed tolerance for other religions, their laws allowed them to enforce the Mahometan faith on people’s
The Importance of Skilled Interpreters
One of the biggest challenges for ambassadors in the Ottoman Empire was that most interpreters were born subjects of the
Offices Given for Merit in Earlier Times
In earlier times of the Ottoman Empire, especially during its strongest and most successful periods, offices were often given as