The Shia and Their Beliefs
The Shia, a major sect within Islam, were historically regarded by many in the Ottoman Empire as heretical because their […]
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Belief in Predestination and Destiny
The Turks hold a strong belief that every person’s destiny is written on their forehead at birth. They call this
Fair Taxation
Christians are to be taxed only according to their ability. No one shall pay more than they can afford. Those
The Young French Ambassador Arrives
When the son of the elderly French ambassador arrived at the Ottoman court, he was immediately called to an audience.
Popular Forms of Government in the Islamic World
It is not far from our subject to speak about two forms of government that were almost completely popular in
The Former Tribute of Wallachia
In earlier times, the tribute paid by Wallachia to the Grand Signior (the Ottoman Sultan) was the same as that
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
Prohibition of the Art of Printing
The art of printing, a subject long debated as to whether it has brought more benefit or harm to the
The Queen’s Final Plea for Mercy
“O brave man, be not cruel to me,” the Old Queen cried out in a trembling voice. She begged for
Princes and the Rule of Law
Authority Above Punishment, Not Above Order The saying “Et si legibus solutissimus, tamen legibus vivimus” means this: although princes are