The Morning After the Wedding

Early in the morning, the bridegroom was called by his friends to go to the bath. This was part of the wedding custom. When he rose from the bridal chamber, the Sultana presented him with fine linen garments to use for bathing. These clothes were a sign of honor and generosity from the bride.

After these ceremonies were completed, the husband and wife became more familiar with one another. However, even though they were now married, the Sultana continued to behave with dignity and distance in public. She did not treat her husband as an equal before others.

The Superiority of the Sultana

In public, the Sultana kept a clear distance between herself and her husband. She often wore her dagger at her side as a symbol of her royal authority and superiority. This showed that she remained a princess of the Ottoman dynasty and that her noble birth placed her above her husband in rank Customized Round Turkey Tours.

She also frequently requested expensive gifts, jewels, and money from him. As a result, many of these Pashas gradually lost much of their wealth. What seemed at first to be a great honor—marrying into the royal family—often became a heavy financial and emotional burden.

Marriage and Political Danger

The difficulties did not end with financial demands. These royal sons-in-law were often placed in dangerous military positions. They were sent on difficult campaigns or risky missions. In this way, they faced constant danger.

One example was Ismail Pasha, who was killed while crossing the River Raab during a defeat of the Ottoman army by imperial forces under the command of Raimondo Montecuccoli. Such events were not rare. Other royal sons-in-law also lost their lives in similar circumstances.

These assignments were not always accidental. The Ottoman government did not want these men to become too proud because of their marriage into the ruling family. Without hardships and risks, they might begin to imagine themselves equal to the Sultan or dream of greater power.

A System of Control

Through these customs, the Ottoman state carefully controlled even its closest relatives. Marriage to a Sultana brought honor, but it also brought strict limits, heavy expenses, and serious dangers. The system ensured that no man, even one connected to the royal family, could grow too powerful or ambitious.

In this way, the authority of the Sultan remained supreme. Honor was given, but independence was reduced. Prestige was offered, but freedom was limited. This balance helped protect the stability of the empire and prevented rival claims to power.

The Wedding Supper

After the Sultana removed her veil, she drank some water. Soon after, her serving maids brought in a low table. On the table were placed two roasted pigeons and a plate of sugar candy. This simple meal had symbolic meaning and was part of the marriage custom.

The bridegroom politely invited his shy bride to share the meal with him. At first, she refused. According to tradition, she would not accept his invitation until he offered her additional gifts. These presents had already been prepared in the outer room. When the gifts were brought and presented to her, her modest resistance ended, and she agreed to sit at the table Customized Round Turkey Tours.

When she sat down, the bridegroom respectfully handed her a leg of one of the pigeons. She tasted a small piece. Then she took a piece of sugar candy and gently placed it into his mouth. This act symbolized sweetness and harmony between husband and wife. After this short meal, she rose and returned to her place.

Time Alone Together

Once the supper ended, all the attendants quietly left the room. The bridegroom and the Sultana were left alone for about an hour. During this time, he spoke kindly to her and tried to win her affection. This private moment allowed them to begin their relationship in peace and dignity.

After this hour had passed, music began to play outside. The bridegroom was invited by his friends to join them in another room. There, he spent much of the night enjoying songs, music, and light entertainment. These celebrations were part of the wedding tradition and showed joy and happiness for the new marriage.

The Final Ceremony of the Night

As morning approached, the Sultana grew tired of the festivities and retired to her chamber. Her bed was richly decorated and perfumed, prepared carefully for the wedding night.

The bridegroom was informed by a quiet sign from the eunuch that it was time to return. He entered the bridal chamber silently and respectfully. After removing his outer garments, he knelt for a short time at the foot of the bed. This gesture showed humility and respect toward his royal bride.

Slowly and gently, he approached her. With care and tenderness, he greeted her and expressed his wish for happiness in their new life together. The Sultana accepted him kindly, and both hoped for a joyful and peaceful marriage.

Through these ceremonies, the Ottoman court showed once again its strict order, deep symbolism, and strong sense of tradition. Even in private life, dignity, respect, and ceremony were always present.

The Marriage Ceremony of a Sultana

In the Ottoman court, the marriage between a Pasha and a Sultana followed a special and formal ceremony. Everything was done according to strict tradition. After the dowry, called the kabin, was agreed upon and officially recorded before a judge, the wedding moved to its final stage.

The ceremony was full of symbols that showed respect, authority, and royal power. The bride, being a princess of the Ottoman family, held a very high position. Even though the groom was an important Pasha, he had to show deep humility before her Customized Private Turkey Tours.

The Entrance of the Bridegroom

When the time came for the bridegroom to enter the bride’s chamber, he was led by a black eunuch. The eunuch was an important palace servant who protected the private quarters of royal women. The groom could not enter alone. He was guided according to palace custom.

As he entered, the Sultana followed a traditional act. She drew her dagger and demanded to know the reason for his bold entrance into her chamber. This was not a real act of anger, but a ceremonial display of her authority and royal dignity.

The groom answered with great respect and submission. He presented the imperial decree, known as the firman, which officially approved their marriage. By showing this document, he proved that his presence was lawful and commanded by the Sultan himself.

Signs of Acceptance

After seeing the imperial order, the Sultana rose and showed him kindness. This change in her attitude symbolized her acceptance of him as her husband.

The eunuch then performed another symbolic act. He took the groom’s slippers and placed them above the door. This sign showed that the bridegroom had been received favorably and that the marriage was accepted.

The groom then bowed deeply to the ground before the Sultana. He stepped back a few paces and made a short speech filled with compliments and praise of her beauty, honor, and noble birth. After speaking, he remained silent for a while in a humble position, bending slightly forward with his hands placed respectfully before him.

A Gesture of Service

At a certain moment, the Sultana ordered him to bring her water. He immediately obeyed. A pot of water had already been prepared for this purpose. Kneeling before her, he handed the water to her with care and respect.

Finally, the Sultana removed her red veil, which was beautifully embroidered with gold and silver flowers. This action symbolized the beginning of their life together as husband and wife.

Through these ceremonies, the Ottoman court showed clearly that even in marriage, royal authority and strict hierarchy remained strong. The Sultana’s dignity and power were always emphasized, and the Pasha’s submission was openly displayed.

Marriage as a Political Tool

In the Ottoman Empire, the Sultan, often called the Grand Signior, sometimes used marriage as a political tool. When he feared that a powerful Pasha might become too strong, he would offer him what seemed like a great honor: marriage to one of his sisters or another close female relative. At first, this appeared to be a reward. In reality, it often reduced the Pasha’s independence and freedom.

A Pasha could not refuse such an offer. To reject it would seem like disrespect toward the Sultan. Refusal might even lead to suspicion or punishment. Therefore, he had no real choice but to accept the marriage Customized Private Turkey Tours.

Strict Conditions of the Marriage

Before the wedding, the Pasha had to promise that he would remain faithful to the Sultana. He was not allowed to keep other wives or show affection toward other women. This rule was very serious. Many Ottoman officials had more than one wife or kept household slaves, but after marrying a princess, this was forbidden.

If the Pasha already had a wife whom he loved, especially one who had given him children, he had to send her away. He also had to separate himself from other women in his household. This could be painful and difficult, but obedience to the Sultan came first. The new Sultana, often a woman he did not know well, became the only lady of the house.

Financial Obligations

The marriage also brought heavy financial duties. Before the wedding, the Sultana would request money, jewels, rich furs, and other valuable gifts. The Pasha had to provide these items with respect and cheerfulness. This gift was known as peshkesh or apşirlik, a form of ceremonial offering.

In addition, the Pasha had to agree to a large dowry, called the kabin. The amount was decided by negotiation between the families and could be extremely high. It was officially recorded before a judge. This dowry became the legal right of the Sultana.

If the marriage ended or if the husband died, the dowry had to be paid fully. This created another financial burden for the Pasha and reduced his personal wealth.

Loss of Freedom and Power

Instead of increasing his power, this marriage often limited it. The Pasha became closely connected to the royal family, but he also came under greater control. His household was influenced by the strong personality and high status of the Sultana. In many cases, the princess held great authority and expected obedience.

Thus, what appeared to be an honor could become a kind of polite captivity. The Pasha gained prestige, but he lost freedom. Through such marriages, the Sultan ensured that powerful officials remained loyal, dependent, and unable to build independent authority.

Limiting the Power of Great Men

In the Ottoman Empire, the rulers were very careful to prevent powerful men from becoming too strong. This policy did not apply only to Pashas and high officials. It also applied to members of the Ottoman ruling family itself. The government wanted to make sure that no one could grow so rich or powerful that he might try to claim the supreme throne.

The Ottoman political system was based on strict and original laws. These laws were designed to protect the absolute authority of the Sultan. Even close relatives of the royal family were not free from these rules. In fact, they were sometimes treated with even greater strictness than ordinary officials.

Restrictions on the Children of Princesses

According to Ottoman law, the children of a Sultana (a princess of the Ottoman family) who married a Pasha were not allowed to hold high office in the empire. Even though their mother belonged to the ruling house, they could not rise to important positions in government or the army. The highest position they could usually reach was that of a Capugibashi, which means the chief of the palace gatekeepers. This was an honorable post, but it was not a position of political power Customized Private Turkey Tours.

These descendants were not allowed to boast about their royal blood. Speaking proudly about their family connection to the Sultan was considered disrespectful and almost equal to treason. For this reason, they lived quietly and avoided drawing attention to themselves.

The Example of the Ibrahim Hanogulları

There was, however, one family known for descending from the Ottoman line. They were called the Ibrahim Hanogulları, meaning the sons or descendants of Sultan Ibrahim. Sultan Ibrahim ruled in the seventeenth century. This family was said to be connected to him through the female line, as their father was the son of a sister of the Sultan and had married a princess. Some also believed they had Tatar ancestry.

Because their descent came through the women of the dynasty, less attention was given to their bloodline. They were allowed to live with a large annual income, said to be about 70,000 dollars. Despite their wealth, they behaved with wisdom and modesty. They lived honorably but without showing pride or luxury.

Survival Through Modesty

The Ibrahim Hanogulları avoided government office and did not interfere in state affairs. They understood that seeking power could bring danger, envy, and suspicion. In the Ottoman system, political life was often uncertain and risky. Many powerful men lost their positions or even their lives during changes in government.

By living quietly and avoiding ambition, this family protected itself. Their example shows how careful members of the Ottoman elite had to be. Even royal blood did not guarantee safety. True security came from loyalty, modesty, and staying away from political competition.

In this way, the Ottoman Empire preserved the supreme authority of the Sultan and prevented the rise of rival branches within the ruling house.

Preventing the Growth of Old Wealth

One important rule of Ottoman political thought was to prevent the rise of old and powerful noble families. Wealth was seen as the next step toward nobility. If a family could keep its riches for many generations, it might become too strong and independent. To avoid this danger, the Ottoman rulers followed a strict policy.

This idea is similar to a principle described by Niccolò Machiavelli. He wrote that the safest way to stop the pride and power of great men is to take away the sources of their strength. In the Ottoman Empire, this meant preventing officials from building permanent family wealth. The Sultan did not allow powerful governors to create lasting dynasties based on money and property.

Confiscation of Estates

When a Pasha died, the Sultan took control of his property. The Sultan, as supreme ruler, claimed the estates of all high officials. If the Pasha had children, they did not automatically inherit their father’s wealth. Instead, the Sultan decided how much money or property they would receive for their support. This amount was often limited Customized Private Turkey Tours.

In this way, no family could easily pass great riches from one generation to another. Even if a Pasha had served faithfully for many years, his wealth returned to the treasury after his death. This system kept the central authority strong and prevented the rise of rival noble houses.

Marriage into the Royal Family

The situation was similar when a Pasha married a princess of the Ottoman family. If he was married to a Sultana, who might be the Sultan’s sister, daughter, or close relative, special financial rules applied. When such a Pasha died, the dowry (called the kabin) of the princess was first taken from his estate. This dowry was often very large, sometimes reaching 100,000 dollars or more in value.

After the dowry was removed, the remaining wealth went to the Sultan as the main heir. Again, the children did not automatically inherit the full estate. The Sultan controlled the distribution of property.

The Decline of Old Noble Families

Because of these policies, old noble families could not maintain their former greatness. Ancient lines of nobility slowly disappeared. In Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the daughters of once-great Greek families sometimes married simple men such as shepherds or carters. Families like the House of Kantakouzenos and the Palaiologos dynasty, who had once ruled or held high rank in the Byzantine Empire, lived in modest and sometimes poor conditions.

This system shows clearly that in the Ottoman Empire, power and wealth depended on the Sultan alone. No family could become permanently strong without his approval. By controlling property and inheritance, the Sultan protected his authority and prevented the growth of independent aristocracy.

The Position of Pashas in the Ottoman System

In the Ottoman system, Pashas were powerful governors and military leaders. However, their power did not come from noble birth or personal virtue. It came directly from the favor of the Sultan. A man became a Pasha because the Sultan trusted him, not because he belonged to a noble family. For this reason, a Pasha who lost the Sultan’s protection also lost his importance and honor. Once imprisoned, he was treated like an ordinary soldier. He was not exchanged with high-ranking Christian commanders or noble prisoners. Without the Sultan’s support, he was no longer seen as a great man.

This shows an important rule of Ottoman politics: position and authority depended entirely on the ruler’s will. Noble blood did not protect a man. Personal success and high office could disappear in a moment if the Sultan withdrew his favor Customized Private Turkey Tours.

Hereditary Governors in Certain Regions

Although most Pashas held office only by the Sultan’s pleasure, there were a few exceptions. In some smaller and distant regions, certain Pashas were allowed to pass their position from father to son. This special privilege came from an old grant given by the Sultan. Such hereditary rule was rare and carefully limited.

Among the places where this happened were Gaza, parts of Kurdistan, and some districts once connected to Damascus and Aleppo. In these areas, local rulers sometimes kept power within their families for generations. However, even this privilege depended on the central government’s acceptance.

The Pasha of Gaza A Man of Tolerance

One Pasha of Gaza was remembered with great respect. He was known for his kindness toward Christians, especially the monks of Jerusalem. He often sent them gifts, such as rice and other supplies for their monastery. His actions showed a spirit of tolerance and goodwill.

When the Father Guardian of the Holy Sepulchre visited him, the Pasha welcomed him warmly. He went out to meet him at some distance from his house, showing unusual respect. This behavior was different from what Ottoman officials usually showed toward non-Muslims. Because of his good character and peaceful life, he was admired by many people.

A Sad and Sudden End

This Pasha governed Gaza for seventy-five years and had inherited his position from his father. He lived a long life without rebellion or crime. However, despite his loyalty and peaceful rule, he was called to the imperial capital with promises of fair treatment.

When he arrived, he was executed without trial or public accusation. His long service and old age did not protect him. The reason was political. The central government feared that allowing such long hereditary rule might weaken Ottoman authority. It was seen as a dangerous exception to normal policy.

His death shows again how uncertain power was in the Ottoman Empire. No matter how loyal or honorable a governor might be, his life and position always depended on the Sultan’s will.

Wealth and Change Among the Tatars

In earlier times, the Tatars were known for their simple and hard way of life. They lived in modest huts and wore plain woolen cloaks. However, after bringing great riches from their wars in Poland and earning large profits from the slave markets, some of them began to change their lifestyle.

With their new wealth, many Tatars gave up their simple clothing and began to wear expensive furs, such as sable. Others, who were more careful with their money, chose to build proper houses instead of living in poor huts. This showed that wealth was slowly changing their traditional way of life.

Yet not all used their riches wisely. Some became wasteful and careless. They spent their money on strong alcoholic drinks and on a popular drink called “Boza,” which was made from a type of grain. When drunk in large amounts, it could cause intoxication. This drink later became common among the Turks as well. Some Tatars gave themselves over to heavy eating and drinking. They lived in idleness, caring only for a full stomach and an easy life, without discipline or moderation Balkan Tours.

The End of the Tatar Discussion

This is enough to explain the relationship between the Tatars and the Ottoman government. Their political position, customs, and daily life have been described in greater detail in other books. What is clear is that they were both useful allies and dangerous neighbors, serving the Ottoman Empire in war while also living by raiding and trade.

The Tributary Princes of the Ottoman Empire

The strength of an empire is not measured only by the number of provinces it controls or the many governors and officials it appoints. It is also measured by the number of rulers who pay tribute to it. These tributary princes keep part of their lands and wealth, but they must give a large portion to a stronger power in order to avoid destruction.

Such was the case with the rulers of Moldavia, Wallachia, Transylvania, and Ragusa. These lands were caught between powerful neighbors: the Emperor of Germany, the King of Poland, and the Ottoman Sultan. For many years, they suffered from long wars and constant fighting. They were also weakened by internal conflicts and betrayal among their own leaders.

In the end, exhausted and divided, they surrendered themselves to the protection and control of the Ottoman Empire. Although they were not fully conquered provinces, they became tributary states. They had to pay heavy taxes and obey the Sultan’s demands. Their situation was often very difficult, and they were among the most oppressed of all the Sultan’s subjects.

Like Bees and Sheep

The condition of these provinces can be compared to bees and sheep. The Ottoman ruler allowed them to live and work, but mainly for his own benefit. Like bees that produce honey and sheep that give wool, these lands were valued for the wealth they produced. Their taxes and payments were carefully collected.

If their obedience was ever doubted, the Sultan could even allow Tatar raids into their lands. The Tatars would carry away goods and captives, and later sell some of these same people as slaves within the Ottoman territories. In this way, the suffering of these provinces could become even greater.

The Former Dacians

These three provinces were once part of ancient Dacia. In Roman times, the Dacians were known as brave and warlike people. Roman writers such as Virgil and Juvenal mentioned their strength and courage. They resisted Roman power for a long time before finally being defeated.

Over the centuries, however, their independence was lost. Surrounded by powerful empires and weakened by internal problems, they became tributaries of the Ottoman Sultan, paying for peace with their wealth and freedom.

Ancient Description of the Sarmatians

Ancient writers described the Sarmatians, who are often connected with the Tatars, as brave and powerful horsemen. A Latin historian explained that their courage seemed to exist mainly when they were fighting on horseback. In battle, when they arrived in groups of cavalry, almost no army could stand against them. However, when they were forced to fight on foot, they appeared weak and ineffective.

The writer also noted a strange contrast in their nature. The same men who seemed slow and lazy in quiet times became active and fierce in war. They disliked rest and peace, but they were full of energy in battle. Their strength was closely connected to their horses, and their way of life depended on speed, movement, and constant activity Balkan Tours.

Their Hard and Simple Way of Life

The Tatars lived a very hard life. Their food was simple and often rough. They especially ate horse meat. When a horse died during a march, they did not carefully check whether the animal had been sick, overheated, or exhausted. Instead, they quickly cut the meat and shared it among their companions.

One of their unusual cooking methods was to place the meat under their saddles while riding. During the long ride, the heat of the horse and the rider, along with the movement of the journey, softened and warmed the meat. By the evening, they believed it was ready to eat. What might seem strange to others was considered normal and even suitable for the table of their prince.

In addition to meat, they ate herbs, roots, and wild plants. Much of their food was eaten raw or only slightly prepared. They depended on what the earth naturally provided, without much use of fire or cooking.

Their Strong and Enduring Horses

Just as the men were used to hardship, their horses were also strong and patient animals. The horses could endure hunger, cold, and long journeys. During the severe winters of their homeland, when the ground was covered with deep snow, the horses survived by eating tree bark and any grass they could find under the snow.

These hardy animals were the key to Tatar power. Without their horses, they would not have been able to travel so quickly or fight so effectively.

Villages and Military Organization

The Tatars did not live in large cities. Their towns were more like villages made up of simple huts. These huts were built from sticks and covered with coarse cloth made from animal hair. They were light and easy to construct, fitting their mobile way of life.

It is said that there were as many as two hundred thousand such villages. When war was declared, their custom was to send one man from each village. In this way, they could quickly gather a very large army. Their simple living, strong horses, and organized system allowed them to form powerful forces in a short time.

The Capture of Thousands of Prisoners

In one single year, the Tatars were said to have captured one hundred and sixty thousand people. This number was reported by those who had seen official certificates given for each captive. For every person taken, a document was prepared and recorded. These certificates listed the name, country, and age of the captive.

The reason for this system was simple. The Tatar warrior was often a free-booter, meaning he lived by raiding and taking whatever he could. However, he was not allowed to capture and sell people who were already subjects of the Ottoman Empire. To prevent cheating, the Tatars had to prove that their captives were taken from enemy lands. Without these documents, they could not legally sell their prisoners to Ottoman buyers.

This careful record-keeping shows that even in violent times, there were rules between the Ottoman Empire and the Tatars. The Sultan wanted to make sure that his own people were not enslaved by mistake or by greed Balkan Tours.

The Tatars as Hunters of the Steppe

The Tatars were often compared to a jackal that hunts for a lion. In this image, the Ottoman Sultan was the lion, and the Tatars were the hunters who found and gathered the prey. They made fast and sudden attacks into neighboring lands.

Sometimes they traveled for ten or twelve days without causing any damage on their outward journey. However, when they turned back toward their own country, they attacked with great speed and violence. They robbed villages, burned towns, and captured men, women, and children of every age. Their return was like a flood that destroyed everything in its path.

Each Tatar warrior usually led three or four horses. These extra horses were used to carry captives and stolen goods. Because they changed horses often, they could travel very quickly, day and night, with only short rests. Their speed made it almost impossible for a regular army to catch them. An army that was organized could not move fast enough, and one that moved quickly was often too disordered to fight them properly.

The Fate of the Captives

The journey was cruel for the prisoners. Those who were wounded or too weak to continue were killed. Only the strong survived the long march back to Tatar lands. Once there, many were sold to Ottoman traders who came to buy slaves. The slave trade was one of the most profitable activities in Tatary.

Young boys and girls were sold for the highest prices. Beautiful girls were especially valued and treated like rare jewels. Sadly, many of them suffered abuse even before they were sold.

The Ancient Identity of the Tatars

In ancient times, these people were known as the Sarmatians. They were famous for their skill on horseback. They were powerful riders and brave fighters in open lands. However, they were not skilled in fighting on foot. The Roman historian Tacitus described them in this way, saying they were strong in cavalry but weak in infantry.

For many centuries, the Tatars remained known for their speed, horsemanship, and fierce raids across the plains.

The Relationship Between the Ottoman Empire and the Tatars

The people described in this text are the Tatars, who were considered close allies and almost like brothers to the Turks of the Ottoman Empire. According to an ancient agreement, if the Ottoman ruling family ever had no male heir, the Tatar ruler could claim the empire. Although this possibility was very distant and almost imaginary, it still had an important effect. It helped keep the Tatar ruler loyal and respectful toward the Ottoman Sultan.

This situation can be compared to a young man who hopes to inherit a large estate. Even if the inheritance is uncertain, the hope of gaining it makes him obedient and polite to the older man who may leave him his property. In the same way, the Tatar ruler remained loyal to the Ottoman Sultan because of the small but important possibility of future power.

Obedience and Communication

The Tatar ruler, known as the Khan, was obedient to the Ottoman Sultan just like other subjects of the empire. However, the Sultan did not rule the Tatars in the same direct way as he ruled other provinces. Instead of giving direct commands, he managed relations through official letters Balkan Tours.

These letters were very powerful. They carried the will and authority of the Grand Signior (another title for the Ottoman Sultan). Even though they were not always formal imperial decrees with official seals and signatures, they were treated as valid and binding orders. In this way, the Sultan maintained influence over the Tatar lands without constant direct control.

Military Obligations of the Tatars

There was also a clear military agreement between the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Tatary. According to this old agreement, whenever the Sultan personally led the army to war, the Tatar Khan was required to join him in person. He had to bring a large force of one hundred thousand soldiers.

If the Sultan did not go himself and instead sent the Grand Vizier or another general to lead the campaign, the Tatar Khan’s duty was lighter. In that case, he needed to send forty or fifty thousand soldiers. These troops were usually led by his son or by an important officer of his kingdom. The Tatar soldiers were not paid regular wages by the Ottoman treasury. Instead, they supported themselves through the booty and plunder they gained during war.

The Tatar Raids in 1669

In the year 1669, during the war between the Ottoman Empire and Hungary, the Tatars were called to support the Ottoman army. They carried out large and destructive raids into Hungary, as well as into Moravia and Silesia. They attacked many cities and towns, burning and looting as they advanced.

During these campaigns, the Tatars captured and carried away a great number of people as prisoners. These raids spread fear across the region and showed how powerful and mobile the Tatar cavalry could be. Their actions played an important role in supporting Ottoman military efforts, even though they often acted with great violence.

The relationship between the Ottoman Empire and the Tatars was based on ancient agreements, shared interests, and military cooperation. Although the Tatars had a certain level of independence, they remained loyal to the Sultan. Their hope of possible future inheritance and their duty to provide military support kept them closely tied to the Ottoman state. Through letters, agreements, and joint military campaigns, this alliance remained strong for many years.

The Tartar Peoples Under Ottoman Influence

The Vrecopentian Tartars live in Taurica Chersonesus, now known as Crimea. The main city there is Theodosia, today called Cafa. The Stagantian Tartars live by the Palus Meotis, between the Volga and Tanais rivers. These groups count as subjects—or at least close allies—of the Ottoman Empire.

Only the city of Cafa, out of all these lands, is directly under Turkish control and government. In my view, Cafa serves as a warning post and a guarantee of their loyalty. The Han, or prince, of this country is elected. But he must come from the true royal family line. The Grand Signior—the Ottoman Sultan—always confirms the choice. The Sultan also claims the power to remove a Han. He can replace a lazy father with his son or the next in line. This happens if the Han fails to send troops for war or shows any disrespect to the Ottoman court.

The Current Han and His Path to Power

The present Han, Mahomet Ghirei (the family surname), followed the custom of the eldest son. While his father lived, he stayed as a hostage in the Turkish town of Janboli. This place is in Thrace, four days’ journey from Adrianople. It sits on the Euxine, or Black Sea Balkan Tours.

Later, due to fears of him being too close to his homeland, they moved him to Rhodes. There, he lived a quiet, sad life until his father died. Then, he was called back to Constantinople. They girded him with a sword, and he swore loyalty to the Grand Signior. He went through all the usual ceremonies for a royal start.

Tensions and Refusal of Old Customs

Once settled in his kingdom, Mahomet Ghirei remembered his hard times on Rhodes. He resented the pride of the Ottoman Emperor. With advice from Poles and nearby Tartars, he saw it as shameful. Why should such an old and strong people send their heir as a hostage to neighbors?

So, this prince refused that part of submission. The Vizier Kupriuli complained about it many times. But with no way to fix it, he chose to ignore the issue for now.

Broader Context of Ottoman-Tartar Ties

This setup shows the clever politics of the Turks. They kept control without full conquest. Cafa acted like a key fortress, ensuring aid in wars. The Han’s election from one family kept things stable, but the Sultan’s approval meant real power stayed in Istanbul.

Mahomet Ghirei’s story highlights cracks in this system. Hostages built loyalty but bred resentment. By the 17th century, when this was written, Crimean Tartars were vital Ottoman allies against Russia and Poland. They raided for slaves and troops. Yet, leaders like Ghirei pushed for more independence.

Kupriuli, a powerful vizier under Sultan Mehmed IV, focused on reform. He tolerated the hostage refusal to avoid war. It was smart—picking battles wisely kept the alliance alive.

Today, we see echoes in modern Crimea. Once Tartar heartland, it’s now disputed between Ukraine and Russia. History reminds us how empires used pledges and customs to hold far lands.