The Rise and Decline of the Ottoman Spahis
An Elite Military Order For many centuries, the Spahis were among the most respected soldiers of the Ottoman Empire. They […]
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Changes in the Janissary Corps and Military Service
The Traditional Role of the Janissaries The Janissaries were once the elite soldiers of the Ottoman Empire and were considered
The Meaning of the “Seven Banners”
This small republic was sometimes called “the Seven Banners.” This name had a special meaning. It suggested that, in order
Affection and Attachment Among Women
According to early observers, strong emotional attachments were also said to exist among women within Ottoman society. These writers claimed
The Vast Wealth of a Greedy Vizier
If a Grand Vizier is naturally careful with money and used to living frugally, he often decides to lose nothing
Law Liberty and the Happiness of Free Subjects
The Blessing of Rule Limited by Law Although absolute power may help a ruler act quickly, it is a great
The Traitor’s Hairs and Ambition
These are the hairs of the traitor Kulkahya, a man who once boasted that before losing his head, there would
Artists of the Older School
Among the remaining artists of the older school, most can be described as conventional in style. They followed established rules
Foreign Artists and Their Role in Early Bulgarian Art
During the early years after the liberation of Bulgaria, several foreign artists visited or lived in the country for short
Shipping Activity on the Danube and the Black Sea
This section compares maritime traffic on the Danube River and the Black Sea. It shows how shipping was divided between