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Hey everyone! This week is a very special week– I’m traveling back in time to explore and adventure through the times of the Ottoman Empire during the Post-1500 Era. I will visit significant locations, places and areas that were important and also “symbolized” the Ottoman Empire. Each day of my travels, I’ll look into the history, culture, sights and smells of each location I’ll visit! So buckle up and read on for my adventures! 

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1st Stop: Hagia Sophia.

For my first day, I arrived at the front of the Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey. After capturing Constantinople in 1453, the Ottoman Empire transformed Hagia Sophia, which had once been a Byzantine cathedral, into a mosque. The shift of the Hagia Sophia presented the social shifts brought about by Ottoman authority. Due to its beauty, the Hagia Sophia became a center of religious and cultural interchange, drawing tourists from all over the world. ²

What instantly caught my attention was its beautiful dome, reaching skyward. The building's exterior also features minarets that gracefully point skyward, which got me thinking about how important the Ottomans’ Islamic architectural impact was— especially towards the Hagia Sophia. Inside, the spaciousness of the nave, the elaborate calligraphy on the walls, and the light coming in through the windows all combined to create an ethereal environment that was a testament to both the creativity of human handiwork and the divine. Additionally, the interior of the Hagia Sophia was filled with “intricate calligraphy, geometric patterns, and beautiful tile work, reflecting the artistic traditions of the Ottoman Empire.” (Krautheimer).

The cultures, faiths, and languages that made up the community that surrounded the Hagia Sophia were diverse. It was a civilization that placed a high importance on religious fervor, art, and education. At its height, the Ottoman Empire was a shining example of tolerance & intellectual curiosity. I saw academics arguing over subtle theological issues, craftspeople talking about the finer points of their trade, and travelers from far-off places telling tales of their travels. ²

I also read traveler’s Evliya Çelebi's "Seyahatname," which provided a glimpse into Hagia Sophia's significance during the Ottoman era. Çelebi's depictions of the mosque's magnificence and everyday activities provide priceless insights into the monument's social significance. ¹ At the end of the day of my journey at the Hagia Sophia, I learned about the architectural and cultural achievements of the Ottomans, as they transformed the Hagia Sophia into a significant symbol of their empire.

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2nd Stop: Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı).

For my second day, I arrived in Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire on a bright day. The Grand Bazaar, (or the Kapalı Çarşı) is one of the largest & oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 60 streets & 4,000 shops— they sell everything from spices and carpets to books and jewels. It was a center of culture and commerce, where people from different backgrounds and religions mingled and traded. 5  I entered the bazaar through one of its 22 gates, and was overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells. The bazaar was like a labyrinth, with narrow alleys and vaulted ceilings, illuminated by windows and lanterns. The shops were arranged in clusters according to their specialties, such as the goldsmiths, the leatherworkers, and the silk merchants' street. Each street had its own name and character and was marked by a sign or a fountain. The bazaar was also divided into two main sections: the Cevahir Bedesten, where the most valuable and rare items were sold, and the Sandal Bedesten, where the fabrics and clothing were sold. These two sections were the oldest parts of the bazaar, built by Sultan Mehmed II in the 15th century, and were surrounded by many other buildings, such as mosques, schools, baths, and inns. ⁴

As I walked through the bazaar, I saw a variety & quality of the goods. From carpets of different colors and patterns, some of them made by the famous weavers of Hereke and Uşak, spices of different kinds and aromas, imported from India and Arabia, and books of different languages and subjects, written by famous scholars and poets of the Ottoman Empire. ⁴

I also encountered many different people, from artisans, craftsmen, and travelers. I paid attention to my auditory visuals; I heard many different languages, such as Turkish, Arabic, Persian, Greek, Armenian, French, and Italian. This Market displayed lots of different sounds and noises, such as the cries of the sellers, the chatter of the buyers, the clatter of the coins, the prayers of the muezzins, the songs of the minstrels, and the bells of the caravans. ⁵ Thus, through hours of looking, walking and taking in the sights of the Bazaar, I completed this day of exploration with feelings of inspiration and contentment.

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3rd Stop: Topkapi Palace Harem.

On my third day, I arrived at the Topkapi Palace Harem, which was also located in Istanbul, Turkey. The Ottoman Sultans' and their families' private residence provided valuable insights into the imperial way of life during the 15th & 16th centuries. The Topkapi Palace served as a location for religious and cultural events in addition to serving as a symbol of the wealth and power of the Ottoman Empire. Before my trip here, I learned that The Harem was designated as “heaven on earth” for the sultan and his family, with its own kitchens, baths, and gardens. The Harem was divided into several sections, including the Courtyard of the Eunuchs, the Courtyard of the Favorites, and the Courtyard of the Queen Mother. ⁷

But as I got closer to the Palace's surrounds, which included beautiful painted tiles, stained glass windows, and shutters with mother-of-pearl and ivory inlay, I discovered that the Harem was socially and physically isolated, and that the only way to enter or leave was through a gate that was watched over by "eunuchs," which were seen as the Palace's gatekeepers. ⁸ However, I encountered people from different ethnic & religious backgrounds influencing the Sultan, mainly to alter the directions of the Ottoman conquest wars. I also overheard the Sultan conversing with his consorts, the majority of whom were descended from slaves. 

However, I wanted to learn more about the context of the Topkapi Palace. I ventured to the Topkapi Palace Museum. This museum showcased the Ottoman Empire's imperial collections as well as the vast collection of books and manuscripts housed in its library. ⁹ As an important social achievement within the Ottoman court, the Topkapi Palace Harem is a notable cultural accomplishment of the Ottoman Empire. The Harem was a well-organized, hierarchical, institutionalized social and political structure with strict rules and training that served as a symbol of the sultan's wealth and power. 

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4th Stop: Süleymaniye Mosque.

On my fourth day, I went early to the Süleymaniye Mosque with the intention of studying every inch of this mosque! To give you a little more background on this place, a few years after Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent's largest project, the Süleymaniye Mosque, was completed, I had heard amazing things about it and was excited to see it for myself. I went to the mosque with a group of tourists that were going there. While walking with the tourists, I saw that the mosque was situated on the city's Third Hill, and had views of the Bosphorus & the Golden Horn.

I was astounded by the mosque's grandeur and elegance as I got closer to its location. It surrounded a sizable complex of structures, which had a hospital, school, library, bathhouse, and public kitchen. The mosque itself had a rectangular layout with 4 smaller domes and 4 thin minarets flanking a central dome– where it measured 53 meters in height & 26 meters in diameter. The interior was also roomy and light-filled, as the dome was supported by 2 semi-domes & 4 enormous piers. Stained glass, calligraphy, and vibrant tiles adorned the interior, while white marble and limestone made up the exterior walls. The mosque featured two main entrances, each with a sizable courtyard: one on the north and one on the south. and a fountain for ablutions. ¹¹

I entered the mosque through the north portal, which bore an Arabic inscription stating that it was founded in 1550 and inaugurated in 1557. The design's harmony and balance, which blended Islamic and Byzantine architectural elements, astounded me. The mosque's design was straightforward but symmetrical, with a spacious prayer hall separated into three aisles by columns arranged in rows. The mihrab, or niche that pointed toward Mecca, and the minbar, or pulpit where the imam gave the sermon, were located along the central aisle. Exquisite blue, green, and red tiles covered the walls surrounding the mihrab and minbar, which were crafted from finely carved marble. The dome above the mihrab had a circular window that let in natural light, creating a stunning contrast with the dark background. The dome was also adorned with a verse from the Quran that praised God as the creator of the heavens and the earth. ¹²

I observed that the Mosque was crowded with individuals from various ethnic backgrounds during my adventure here. Muslims brought together a diverse group of people: Turks, Arabs, Persians, Kurds, Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and Europeans. A few of them were just taking in the mosque while others were praying, reading, and conversing. I heard the sounds of religious hymns, the call to prayer, the adhan, and recitations of the Quran. I also heard a variety of languages and dialects. I smelled the aromas of food and coffee from the cafes and kitchen nearby, along with the scents of incense, rose water, and perfumes. Observing the spiritual and cultural diversity of Ottoman society filled me with wonder and amazement as well as a sense of calm and peace.  The mosque was not only a place of worship, but also a center of learning and charity. The mosque had a library that housed thousands of books and manuscripts on various subjects, such as theology, law, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. The library was open to the public, and anyone who wished to study or borrow a book was welcome. ¹²

At the end of exploration, I came to the conclusion that the mosque represented the might & splendor of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the kindness and insights of Sultan Süleyman and his architect Sinan. The mosque served as a showcase for their goals and aspirations as well as their technical and artistic abilities. It was a symbol of the tolerance and diversity of Ottoman society, which welcomed a variety of cultures and religions while adhering to Islam. The mosque was a monument to civilization and a work of architectural art.

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5th Stop: Janissary Barracks (Eski Ordu Evleri).

On my last day, I planned to then go to the Janissary Barracks, also known as the Eski Ordu Evleri. I was very interested in this last location as it ties heavily into the military concept of the Ottoman Empire. The barracks housed the elite Ottoman military unit, the Janissaries, and played a significant role in Ottoman military history.

Thus, I was standing in the middle of the Eski Ordu Evleri, the formidable Janissary Barracks situated in the “heart” of the Ottoman Empire. The sounds of military discipline and the daily bustle of the Janissaries, the sultan's elite guard, filled the air. As I looked around, all I could think was that it was very strong and expansive, as the barracks was a ‘city within a city’ that included a hospital, a bakery, and a mosque, all of which were specially built to meet the demands of this powerful military force. Also, the Janissaries were the epitome of the military might of the empire, identifiable by their distinctive but bold uniforms and devotion. The barracks was a hive of activity, with cooks tending to large cauldrons over roaring fires, blacksmiths working on swords and armor, and soldiers drilling with such precision it spoke to me– in a way it symbolized their fearsome reputation on the battlefield.

As I mingled within the crowds, I took in the rich tapestry of languages and civilizations that the Ottoman Empire held. Although amidst the loudness and gatherings of chatter, I gathered and read an original document that would help me better comprehend this historical period a bit more! It was a letter written by a Janissary to his family, describing the hardships of training and the satisfaction of working for the sultan. It was a first-hand narrative, which gave me a unique perspective into the inner workings of "Janissary Life," as it showed the humanity concealed beneath the power of the military, and how it was almost to be part of the Janissaries. ¹⁴

As I reached towards the middle of the day of exploration, I noticed that the barracks served as both a military fortress and a “center” of culture, which merely illustrated the size and diversity of the empire. The air was filled with the scents of spices and the sounds of various dialects, which highlighted the empire's reach and the Janissaries' role within it. I heard talks about recent campaigns and tactics that had led to Ottoman victories as I strolled through the barracks; these conversations helped me analyze the military prowess that had driven the empire to its pinnacle. ¹⁵  As dusk approached, the barracks took on a golden hue and transitioned to a calm evening. The Janissaries went back to their quarters, and the sounds of the day's activities echoed throughout the barracks. My historical journey had given me a unique insight into the Janissaries, the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire, whose self-control and devotion helped to mold history.

Overall, my tours, journeys and experiences at significant locations and places in the Ottoman Empire during the Post-1500 CE era provided me with cultural and historical insights and perspectives on how the Ottoman Empire worked, thrived and developed. See you all next time at my next adventures!

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Works Cited

¹ Çelebi, E. (17th century). Seyahatname. [Book of Travel].

² Krautheimer, R. (1986). Hagia Sophia: A History. Princeton University Press.

³ Hagia Sophia Research Team (n.d.). Hagia Sophia. [Photograph of Hagia Sophia exterior]. Harvard University. https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/sites/projects.iq.harvard.edu/files/styles/os_files_xxlarge/public/whoseculture/files/hagia_sophia_exterior.jpg?m=1607399097&itok=xge9nGpj

⁴ Peyssonnel, C. de. (2011). The Ottoman Empire in the 18th century: An account by Charles de Peyssonnel. (R. Dankoff, Trans.). Istanbul: The Isis Press. (Original work published 1791)

⁵ Wohl, S. (2017). The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul: The Emergent Unfolding of A Complex Adaptive System. Delft Technical University and Iowa State University. https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/f478ee3b-4098-4630-996b-024d6eefca01/content

⁶ Sèbah, J. P. (1890). Istanbul Grand Bazaar. [Photograph]. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Istanbul-Grand_Bazaar_Sebah.jpg

⁷ Zelazko, A. (2024). Topkapı Palace Museum. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Topkapi-Palace-Museum

⁸ Crocker, S. (2021). What life was like as a member of the sultan’s harem in the Ottoman Empire. Grunge. https://www.grunge.com/337783/what-life-was-like-as-a-member-of-the-sultans-harem-in-the-ottoman-empire/

⁹ Britannica. (n.d.). Third courtyard. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Topkapi-Palace-Museum/Third-courtyard

¹⁰ William J. Bowe, (n.d.). Topkapı Palace Museum. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://cdn.britannica.com/86/148586-004-9ADEC63B/Topkapi-Palace-Istanbul-Turkey.jpg?s=1500x700&q=85

¹¹ Field, J. F. (2023, July 6). Süleymaniye Mosque. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Suleymaniye-Mosque

¹² Sinan, M. (2017). The Book of Architecture of Sinan, the Chief Architect (H. Crane & E. Akin-Kivanc, Trans.). Leiden: Brill. (Original work published 1588)

¹³ Agiel, A. (2020). Süleymaniye Mosque (1550) in Istanbul. [Photograph]. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ahmed-Agiel/publication/342666235/figure/fig1/AS:909290281914379@1593803105947/Sueleymaniye-Mosque-1550-in-Istanbul.jpg

¹⁴ Janissary Letter. (1526). [Letter written by a Janissary to his family]. Ottoman Empire Historical Archives.

¹⁵ Aksan, V. H. (2007). Ottoman Wars, 1700-1870: An Empire Besieged. Pearson Education Limited.

¹⁶ Nasuh, M. (1558). Ottoman Janissaries [Painting]. https://www.realmofhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/facts-ottoman-janissaries_14-min.jpg?ezimgfmt=ng:webp/ngcb20