The Maxims of Turkish Politics
The Office of the Grand Vizier The Prime Vizier, called in Turkish Vezir-i Azam, means the chief counselor of the […]
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 Limits and Extent of the Prime Vizier’s Power
The Prime Vizier held authority almost as wide as that of the Sultan who granted it to him. In most
The Danger and Glory of the Highest Office
The office of the Prime Vizier was not only the highest position of duty and trust in the empire, but
Seizure of Goods and Abuse of Authority
In the service of the Grand Signior, goods belonging to merchants were sometimes taken without agreement or payment. These seizures
Envy Rivalry and Court Politics
Emulation and flattery were powerful forces in the Ottoman court. Many rival groups and factions competed for influence, and this
A Humble Man in Trouble
Among those affected by the shortage of meat was a dervish, who worked as a cook for a chamber of
Honor and Humility in Ottoman Thought
Among the Turks, it was not considered shameful to move down from the highest positions of honor and command to
The Unstable Nature of Power among the Turks
Stories like the one just told are common among the Turks. They clearly show how men are raised by fortune