Istanbul, as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, had grown into a densely populated city. Wars, migrations, and the concentration of soldiers and bureaucrats significantly increased the demand for bread, making the establishment of bread factories a necessity. Bread is one of the oldest, most fundamental, and essential food items known to humanity. During the Ottoman period, the need for …
When people think of the Ottoman Empire, images of grand palaces, sultans, and the harem often come to mind. Yet, one of the most mysterious and misunderstood figures within this world is the Ottoman harem aghas —a eunuch who wielded significant power behind palace walls. The lives of these individuals, especially during the height of the Ottoman Empire, are full …
One of the lesser-known stories of the conquest of Constantinople is the brave resistance of 300 Cretan warriors and how Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror allowed them to leave—a story truly worth reading. Fatih Sultan Mehmed and His Respect for the Enemy Fatih Sultan Mehmed… he was undoubtedly a commander who earned the title “Conqueror” through his rationality, scientific approach, and …
Introduction: A Bloodline Secured by Bloodshed The Ottoman Empire, one of the most powerful dynasties in history, spanned over six centuries. But behind the grandeur of its palaces and military conquests lay a brutal political reality: the systematic elimination of male relatives to secure the throne. Known as **fratricide**, this practice was not only accepted but legalized, institutionalized, and, at …
Origins of Homosexuality in the Ottoman Empire According to historical records, homosexuality in the Ottoman Empire began during the reign of Orhan Bey, nearly at the time of the state’s founding. Influences from the Byzantine and Persian worlds introduced these practices to the Anatolian region, and by Orhan Bey’s time, relationships between men had already taken root in various social …
History of Beer in the Ottoman Empire The history of beer in the Ottoman Empire can be traced back to the 19th century. Sultan Abdulhamid II ruled the empire from 1876 to 1909, a period marked by both modernization and increased centralization of power in the hands of the sultan. During his reign, Western cultural influences permeated various aspects of …
Gurabahane-i Laklakan is the first animal hospital built for the purpose of caring for birds, especially storks, during the Ottoman period in the 1800s. Gurabahane-i Laklakan also means “Storks’ Doss-House.” It was founded in Osmangazi, Bursa, and Osmangazi was chosen for a special reason: it is located on the path of the birds’ natural migration, so it was decided that …
The history of bird houses goes way back. The construction of bird palaces and houses, which has been developing since the 15th century in accordance with classical Ottoman architecture, reached different aesthetic dimensions through the 19th century. In fact, the purpose of making bird palaces is to provide shelter to freely flying birds, to protect them from burning sun and …
Safranbolu is a typical and preserved Ottoman town in the northwestern part of Turkey. With its cobbled streets, narrow passes and centuries-old houses, the town is a popular destination for tourists in Karabük. It had been on the trade route between Black Sea and big cities like Constantinople in 17th. Century. Accumulating enough wealth, local traders built beautiful mansions, not …
The value of coffee and tea in human life cannot be underestimated. The plants that produce these commodities are not grown in every country, but it is known that tea was first used in China about 2000 years ago BC, and generally, British society is known for its tea. But the Turks also deserve credit! Turks have a Turkish tea …