The Five Necessary Practices of a Muslim
Washing and Cleanliness The original text explains one of the important practices in Islam: washing before worship. It was written […]
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Initiation Rituals and the Kadri Order
The Initiation of New Members Those who wished to join this religious order were required to complete a period of
Atheism in Constantinople
It is remarkable to consider how many people in Constantinople hold atheistic beliefs. Many of these are Kadizade scholars, who
Sedition and the Rise of a New Sect
After the death of the fifth Sultan of the Turks, a man named Scheibech Bedredm, who had been Chief Justice
Reward for Obedience
Mahomet, the Messenger of God, promised that Christians who faithfully follow the rules of the covenant will be rewarded. This
Challenges for Ambassadors in the Ottoman Empire
Serving as an ambassador in the Ottoman Empire required courage, wisdom, and careful judgment. Diplomats had to remain calm and
Buying High Office
This system did not only show the power of the Sultan, but it also increased it. In many cases, men
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
The Rank Below the Grand Vizier
Next in authority after the Grand Vizier, also called the Vizier Azem or First Vizier, are the officials known as
The Dwarfs of the Ottoman Court
In the Ottoman court, there was another group of attendants besides the Pages and the Mutes. These were the Dwarfs,