Quote 1: “I never saw in my life so many fine heads of hair. I have counted a hundred and ten of these tresses of one lady, all natural. But, it must be owned that every beauty is more common here than with us.” Pg 70.

This quote would likely have served to very much reinforce some of the preconceived notions that Christians might have had of the Turkish lands. Seeing it as opulent, wealthy, and filled to the brim with beauties unrivalled hidden in personal harems of the sultan. That is not of course what was described in the letter, merely an abundance of beauty was mentioned, but it does serve to fuel such idea’s as most stories are often exaggerations in the extreme.

Quote 2:” ‘Tis very easy to see they have more liberties than we have, no woman, of what rank so ever being permitted to go  in the streets without two muslims, one that covers her face all but her eyes and another that hides the whole dress of her head , and hangs half way down her back…” pg 71

This quote was written in regards to the liberties of women and their supposed greater freedom in the Turkish lands. ‘Supposed because this alone is a claim made with poor support in the lines around it and may confuse many who try to understand how exactly the aforementioned is greater freedom. It is with the next quote shortly after that things can see some light in this regard.

But it’s in this quote that we see how many of the stereotypes conceived of the turk’s mistreating women had been misunderstood or exaggerated by a lack of knowledge.

Quote 3:”…that there is now distinguishing the great lady from her slave and ‘tis impossible for the most jealous husband to know his wife when he meets her, and know man dare touch or follow a woman in the street.

This perpetual masquerade gives them entire liberty of following their inclinations without danger of discovery.” Pg 71

This quote brings closure to the last in the claims of greater liberties for woman found in Turkish lands than in Europe for those times. It does well to challenge the thought that Woman were in many ways possessions of men, unfortunately in many ways they still were, but it challenges the degree to which the notion pertained, and method to which it was applied.

Quote 4:”She has no black eunuchs for her guard, her husband being obliged to respect her as a queen and not enquire at all into what is done in her apartment…”

This quote is part of a greater, very long for a quote, context that signifies the fact that she, the Sultana, was the leader of the nation not a man who came to be her husband after the Sultan’s passing. This would fly in the face of many European preconceptions of a woman’s place in society, let alone a woman’s place in muslim society. Yet it was so, and done respectfully.

Quote 5:”This is but too like, says you, the Arabian tales; these embroidered napkins, and a jewel as large as a turkey’s egg! You forget, dear sister, those very tales were writ by an author of this country and, excepting the enchantments, are a real representation of the manners here.”

This final quote is rather obviously and redundantly a confirmation of many possible preconceptions well-read Europeans may have formed from the well-known stories of the Arabian Tales.

Letters of Lady Wortley Montagu

“I know no European court where the ladies would have behaved themselves inso polite a manner to a stranger.” (58)

This shows that the writer is surprised how friendly the Turkish are in welcoming her compared to what other Europeans are like. The writer is not used to such a welcoming invite like the one she got in the wealthy town of Sofia.

“When she saw this second husband, who is at least fifty, she could not forbear bursting into tears. He is a man of merit and the declared favourilteof the sultan but that is not enough to make him pleasing in the eyes of a girl of thirteen” (65)

Here they are talking about an arranged marriage of a 13 year old girl and a 50 year old man, which is horrible but part of the culture and the lifestyle. This man was high up and it would be considered a big deal for the girls family for him to marry her, even at the age of 13.

“It would be too tedious to tell your ladyship the various dreossesand turbans by which their rank is distinguished, but they were all extremely rich and gay to the number of thousands that, perhaps there cannot be seen a more beautiful procession.” (67)

The wealth of a person can be seen in their clothing and jewels easily.

“’Tis very easy to see they have more liberty than we have, no woman, of what rank so ever being permitted to go in the streets without two muslins, one that covers her face all but her eyes and another that hides the whole dress of her head, and hang half way down her back and their shapes are also wholly concealed by a thing they call a ferace with no woman of any sort appears without.”(71)

This shows the culture and attire for the women, the only thing that is allowed to show is their eyes. No matter what rank or wealth they might have, nobody broke that form of attire.

“Upon the whole, I look upon the Turkish women as the only free people in the empire.” (72)

She says this because the women basically have nothing to worry about if they do everything correctly, wear the correct clothes they will never get in trouble. She makes it a fact that the ladies that are rich have all their money in their own hands and upon a divorce the man is obliged to give them money.

Quote 1: “a king who makes his own happiness consist in the liberty of his people and chooses rather to be looked upon as their father than their master” pg.57

This seems to be somewhat of an early judgement about the Turks. She mentions earlier how the rich have to hide their wealth and how looking poor keeps them safe. Then she relates this to her freedoms and liberties in England. The ability to not have to hide how rich you are makes you free.

Quote 2: “Yet there was not one of them that showed the least surprise or impertinent curiosity, but received me with all the obliging civility possible.” pg.58

From history we know that many muslim women were intrigued at the way westerners dressed but in particular were pretty materialistic. Later on during the late 18th and 19th centuries Ottoman society started to really mix in western culture. But I actually believe this is just an acknowledgement between two societies, the Ottomans believed they were on the same if not higher level.

Quote 3: Tis they that are the real authors, though the soldiers are the actors of revolutions.” pg.61

In this quote she is talking about the Ottoman scholars. How valuable and important they are to the empire. They control most aspects of it as well, the women are symbols of beauty by the way she speaks of their skin and nakedness and the men represent power.

Quote 4: “he must first have the gift of tongues before he can possibly be of any use.” pg.62

She mentions how if her friend Dr.Clarke who works with the church had the ability to preach in Ottoman lands things would change. But the reason why this quote is very interesting is because this has been something that has been at the forefront of any kind of change. How important words are to any kind of revolution of cultural change. We have always heard the saying that the pen is mightier than the sword, perhaps that’s the point she might be getting at.

Quote 5: “The government here is entirely in the hands of the army” pg.66

I couldn’t help but laugh a little because of the criticism she displays against not the Ottoman empire but muslim society. She mentions how the Grand Signors daughter was getting married but she called it a ‘contract’. She calls the Grand Signor a slave and the fear of the Janissaries. To be a Janissary was a huge honor, the English also glorify war the only difference is that the English call it nationalism.

When visiting the Ottoman empire there are a few things to keep in mind. While the journey will be risky, fitting in will make it easier. First the land is much different and the fruits are flourished and fresh, the trade of meats and foodstuffs and beverages is very large. If you are a woman to fit in you should wear a veil and you must be covered everywhere, you will be easily noticed if you are wearing anything other than that. If you are a man you should wear a classic turban tight buttoned trousers with a silk waistband and sash and boot, carry some sort of knife.

The climate supposedly is good for your health and allows people to live to the age of seventy or eighty.

There are some slang terms to be aware of, first when buying and selling you need to know how to count coins: ne 1 dii 2 tire 3 kotra 4 pensi 5 gast 6 istat 7 teti 8 nandi 9 dhit 10.

Along with greetings the most common being “aye sendos enababi” meaning Hey, are you well?

The ones to be aware of if someone doesn’t like you are things like “hak mut” meaning eat shit.

When arriving you will notice there are people from all over and the locals have many different forms of income. Some being scholars, craftsman fisherman ect. The Ottomans encourage trade with with Christian Europeans and are very welcoming to do business with. Their religion is a huge part of life and you will be able to clearly tell with mosques everywhere and their prayers occurring five times a day throughout the city. Just as they are accepting of you, you must be accepting of them as well, although they may look and seem different they aren’t all that different when it comes down to it. Take advantage of all that the Ottoman has to offer to you whether it be the climate trade or different culture of all the people around you, don’t try too hard to fit in but be respecting to their culture and everyday life.

My visit to the Met:

Jerusalem exhibit:

I have never been to the Met and it was so beautiful I spent my whole night walking through all the museum and the Jerusalem one really stuck with me.  The amount of artifacts and documents they had was outstanding. Everything was so beautiful and kept in perfect condition. The images of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre caught my eye and I found it so interesting how the prayers held were spoken in Greek, Latin, Armenian, Syriac, Georgian, Coptic and Geez. I thought that really showed how many people from all over pilgrimed here.

Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia and Later South:

I chose to take pictures that I felt reflected the culture the best, i have photos of the carpets that were massive and laid from ceiling to floor with huge textiles that were eye catching. I also took a photo of the jewelry that were embellished with rubys diamonds and emeralds they were beautiful and intricate. I enjoyed learning about all the culture and selling small things that were part of everyday life.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/144269985@N06/albums/72157675208436816

Quote 1: “I perceived that the ladies with the finest skins and the most delicate shapes…naked, in different postures, some in conversation, some working, others drinking coffee or sherbert, and many negligently lying in conversation while their slaves (generally pretty girls of seventeen or eighteen) were employed in braiding their hair in several pretty manners.”

• This quote is interesting because it highlights some of the exotic/erotic stereotypes that Europeans had about Eatern peoples having voracious or licentious sexual appetites.

Quote 2: “When the pashas travel ’tis yet worse. Those oppressors are not content with eating all that is to be eaten belonging to the peasants, ; after they have crammed themselves and their enormous retinue they have the impudence to exact what they call teeth money, a contribution for using their teeth, worn with doing them the honor of devouring their meat.” However, it was noted, ” …their religion no allowing of this barbarity any more than ours does.”

• This quote also accentuates stereotypes of “Arabs” having enormous and greedy appetites for all luxuries (sex, food, fine wines, luxury goods). In this case, however, it was at least given the caveat that this behaviour is neither permitted, nor encouraged by the rules of Islam.

Quote 3: “…I should be very pleased with reading Alcoran, which is so far from the nonsense we charge it with…I have since heard impartial Christians speak of it in the same manner, and I don’t doubt but that all our translations are from copies got from the Greek priests who would not fail to falsify it with the extremity of the corrupt.”

• This quote is interesting because it is oddly humble and ingratiating of the Turkish/Muslim hosts and their religion. It, unlike many of the other quotes does not just highlight the differences between Islamic/”Oriental” society and Europe, but gives credit where it seems due for the accomplishments and creations of a society.

Quote 4: Regarding womens’ veiling, “This perpetual masquerade gives them entire liberty of following their inclinations without danger of discovery. The most usual method of intrigue is to send an appointment to the lover to meet the lady at a Jew’s shop…ladies seldom let their gallants know who they are, and ’tis so difficult to find out that they can very seldom guess at her name they have corresponded above half a year together. You may easily imagine the number of faithful wives in a very small country where they have nothing to fear from their lovers’ indiscretion…”

• This is yet another quote which indicates the licentious nature of the people in the “Orient”. This may indicate that there is, perhaps, something true about the claims, or that it is merely a very pervasive stereotype. Either way, this would increase the perception of people in the Ottoman Empire as being sexually licentious

Letters of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

“the happiness of this plenty is scarce perceived by the oppressed people. I saw here a new occasion for my compassion ….The poor fellows came round the house weeping and tearing their hair and beards in the most pitiful manner, without getting anything but grubs from the insolent soldiers” (56).

This quote describes nature and lack of compassion from the Janissary Corps. This reinforces the fear of “Turkenfurcht.” Christians were meant to be fearful of Turkish occupation, and these letters reinforce the consequences of defeat.

“…received me with all the obliging civility possible. I know no European court where the ladies would have behaved themselves in so polite a manner to a stranger” (58).

This quote showcases the cultural norms and attitudes towards strangers. Here, we see a very welcoming Turkish culture, unlike that of Europeans. However, this person visiting was at the Sofia, one of the most prominent towns in the Ottoman Empire.

“Indeed the Janissaries had no mercy on their poverty, killing all the poultry and sheep they could find without asking who they belonged to, while the wretched owners durst not put in their claim for fear of being beaten” (61).

Here, we see another example of Turkish behavior that seems to indicate a different standard of operations depending on the region. As Belgrade was under military occupation, one can see a different attitude.

“I believe there is no other race of mankind who have so modest an opinion of their own capacity. These are the remarks I have made on the diversity of religions I have seen” (64).

There is an acknowledgment that the Turkish leadership is open and tolerant to a multitude of religions. They don’t force their religion or declare heresy towards other groups. This was a comparison between the Christian West and Turkish rule.

“ The Government here is entirely in the hands of the army and the Grand Signor with all his absolute power as much a slave as any of his subjects, and trembles at a janissary’s frown. Here is indeed a much greater appearance of subjection than amongst us” (66).

This passage actually illustrates something interesting about the relationship between the Sultan and his military. It seems that in some ways, the Janissary Corps have more power than even the Sultan. In the following paragraph, the lady describes the Sultans fear of his military.

Works Cited:

Cardini, Franco. Europe and Islam. Oxford, U.K., Blackwell, 2001.

Montagu, Mary Wortley et al. Turkish Embassy Letters. London, W. Pickering, 1993.

The first quote: “Yet there was not the least wanton smile or immodest gesture amongst them. They walked and moved with the same majestic grace which Milton describes of our general mother.” (Page 59)

In this quote, we can clearly see that the author of the letter have more or less reinforced the stereotype of the Turkish people about how they are “beautiful” and “exotic”. She had described the Turkish women and their servants as people that are “perfect”, as if they would behave in a way that is way better than women in Europe and how they would never do anything that is immodest or unwelcoming.

The second quote: “The Turks are too proud to converse familiarly with merchants etc.” (Page 60)

The quote clearly shows how the author had held a prejudge against the Turks, as she simply based this on her opinion. If anything, the Turks would be one of the people that are most interested and professional in mercantilism. The Ottoman capital, Istanbul is literally sitting on the Silk Road and in the crossroad of Asia and Europe. Compared to other nation that exists at the time, the Ottomans would have been shown as a nation that is way more welcoming to merchants.

The third quote: “Indeed the Janissaries had no mercy on their poverty, killing all the poultry and sheep they could find without asking who they belonged to, while the wretched owners durst not put in their claim for fear of being beaten.” (Page 61)

It is known that Janissaries are raised in the sultan’s court; they are all highly educated and well-disciplined. The last thing they would do is to raid the locals while fighting in a war, as all their expenses were covered by the sultan. The poverty/ horror that the author had seen were most likely caused by mercenaries hired by the Turks or their enemies. Even logically speaking, it simply doesn’t make sense for the sultan to allow the janissaries to raid in his own lands anyways. After all, those are people that pay lots of taxes to him. This also reflects how the author still saw the Turks as “Barbaric” and “Nomadic” people that had no mercy for the others.

The fourth quote: “They cut off his hands, head, and feet, and throw them before the palace gate with all the respect in the world, while the sultan (to whom they all profess an unlimited adoration) sits trembling in his apartment, and dare neither defend nor revenge his favorite.” (Page 66)

This again, the author had reinforced the idea that the Turks are still “barbaric”. In the way that people were tortured without mercy, and how the land is basically lawless; seeing how even the sultan did not even hold the power to protect his man.

The fifth quote: “I cannot help wishing, in the loyalty of my heart, that the parliament would send hither a shipload of your passive obedient men, that they might see arbitrary government in its clearest, strongest light, where ‘tis hard to judge whether the prince, people or ministers are most miserable.” (Page 66)

In this quote, the author reemphasizes that not only the Turks were a barbaric people, but also, they have got a weakling as an emperor. She also stated that the Turks have an insufficient and obsolete government as she totally adores the parliament of Great Britain.

An Ottoman merchant visiting Vienna

There were many differences between the Christian and Islamic communities and some would have been more evident as people interacted with other persons from outside of their own community.  An Ottoman merchant visiting Vienna would have been better prepared if he knew of the following aspects of everyday life in Vienna.

It would have been beneficial to know that Vienna was a highly sophisticated and developed city.  It was a bustling commercial hub, anchored strategically along the trade route between Africa, Asia and Europe. Thus, the city benefited greatly from a wide variety of products being bought and sold on its streets (Carboni).  Although it was similar to Damascus and Cairo as each specific trade in Vienna was assigned to a designated street (Rodriguez, 234), Vienna was much more technologically advanced than the Islamic World.  Perhaps this was a consequence of the trade embargo that restricted Christians from selling iron and steel to Muslims (Rodriguez, 218).  Vienna manufactured clocks locally and even had the skills to set them up to make sounds to differentiate between daytime and nighttime (Dankoff, 232-233).  The Ottoman merchant would not be fooled if he was aware that Vienna was so advanced in technology they successfully created robots equipped with mechanical movements capable of doing automated work (Dankoff, 234).  This technology was not traded with the Islamic World as one Muslim diplomat thought that the robots were real people.

Also, an Ottoman merchant would have found it advantageous to know that Vienna had a very religious Christian community, much like the Muslim population.  However, a Muslim visitor to Vienna must be aware that Christians used statues of their God and his disciples in the Christian religion.  This could be somewhat of a shock to an Ottoman merchant since the use of statues depicting Allah and the Prophet Muhammad are strictly prohibited in the religion of Islam and were never used inside nor outside of mosques.  In Vienna, religious statues were an integral part and used extensively in the designs of Christian places of worship.  In addition, if an Ottoman merchant knew to expect the richly decorated interiors of churches and monasteries, he would not be affronted by the display of wealth.  For instance, the church floors were made of colored stones, marble and alabaster with elaborately carvings etched on chairs, while in the mosques, rugs were used on the floors and chairs were not available for seating (Dankoff, 238).  It would have helped the merchant also if he was aware of the musical instruments that were used in the Christian places of worship.  These sounds would have been a stark contrast to Muslims praying and quietly reciting the Quran.

Another noteworthy aspect was the behavior of women in Venice versus those in the Islamic World.  Women in Venice were allowed to socialize in public with men and mingle with those from outside their community (Dankoff, 231).  This behavior was unlike the norms of the Islamic World where the women were restricted to staying close to male relatives.  It would probably have surprised any Ottoman merchant to see women mingling freely with the opposite sex as well as hearing loud noises coming from places of worship.

References

Carboni, Stefano, and Trinita Kennedy. “Venice’s Principal Muslim Trading Partners: the Mamluks, the Ottomans, and the Safavids.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/vmos/hd_vmos.htm (March 2007).

Carboni, Stefano, and Trinita Kennedy, and Elizabeth Marwell. “Commercial Exchange, Diplomacy, and Religious Difference between Venice and the Islamic World.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/cedr/hd_cedr.htm (March 2007).

Dankoff, Robert, An Ottoman Traveller: Selections from the Book of Travels of Evliya Celebi.  London: Eland Books, 2011.

Rodriguez, Jarbel. Muslim and Christian Contact in the Middle Ages. New York: University of Toronto Press, 2015.

Part One – A Venetian’s Guide to the East

If one was a newly made Venetian merchant wanting to travel to the near east to trade, they should keep a few things in mind. They should expect a culture shock. Most of the citizens follow the religion of Islam and follow traditions and customs far different than the ones in Venice and the west. There may be instances that the merchant will be confused. They must remember to not only be more open minded of what the people follow but respect it. To go against their religion and costumes would mean to anger them and get on their bad side. One does not want to fight with any other merchants due to the fact that the merchant might lose out on products they could sell.

They must also keep in mind the war between the west and east. It does not matter that there might be issues they agree with or are against, trading comes first. What comes to mind is the ban both have on the trade of any products relating to the military. Venice has tried to lift the ban or at least create an exception for the merchants of Venice to sell timber especially to the Ottomans and the east. Due to regional borders, timber is in excess to the west and Venice would make quite the profit if they were able to sell the timber and other military based products to the east. The papacy will not allow it. There will be other bans and restrictions from the east that will hinder the trade of one eastern product or another. The Soldan of Egypt has been greatly annoyed by the Portuguese and their way of trading and placed restrictions on the trade of pepper, a spice that is highly requested by those in the north and west of Europe. Any merchant should be prepared for any change in trading systems, there is a delicate balance between the east and the west. One needs to be prepared to change what products they are trying to trade.

That is why there is should be relative peace between any Venetian merchant and the other merchants they encounter in their travels to the east or near east. You need allies in the ever changing market. Those who control the routes and are able to place any restriction on imports and exports can affect your business. To put your differences aside will be the greatest asset you can have as you go into a very variable market. Anything can change and your business can easily become bankrupt.

Part Two – MET Visit

Jerusalem Exhibit: https://goo.gl/photos/vUwSAcnmoyb2k6t69

The Jerusalem exhibit showed a lot of culture diversity and how it all connected. All the religions influenced each other in art and literature. The image of the sword of a Christian soldier reflected Islamic aesthetic, such as it being thin and the hilt decorated in an Islamic way. The Arabic text is actually of the Christian Four Gospels even though many would assume it is the Quran. The Dome of Jerusalem reflects all the religions in its aesthetic.

Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and Later South Asia: https://goo.gl/photos/vNZgJe1fcaiAL9xH6

I chose to take pictures of these pieces due to the fact that they all reflect something Islam and Asian culture held in high regard- nature. Islam prohibits the use of the images of important religious figures in art. Among that many Islamic nations studied mathematics and there was a more excess of use of geometric shapes in mosques or in aesthetic. These patterns were deemed beautiful by the symmetry and perfection. Also nature, especially flowers and fields of pasture reflected on the idea of paradise. Islam’s view on paradise was green fields, flowers, and a stream of water. It’s not atypical to see Islamic artists use that for their art or aesthetic.

Welcome Seasoned Traveler!

To the magnificent Ottoman Empire! Home too many wonders of the world!

The Hagia Sofia of the late Byzantine Empire!

The Dome of the Rock!

The Topkapi Palace!

And so much more!

The vast and powerful Empire is also home to many lucrative resources!

Spices!

Coffee!

Sugar!

Incense!

All this is open to trade for those savvy enough to recognize it! Before you go however, this guide can help you with information on all the best locations for trade and the Do’s and Don’ts

Metro Museum of Art, Jerusalem book of the Holy lands

Geography

There are several important trade centers that Europeans may have access to depending solely on your diplomatic capacity, Istanbul, Jerusalem, and Alexandria are among the most important that you have access to. Each has their own benefits and wares.

Istanbul as the Capital is home to many of the most lavish luxuries as well as some of the most significant architecture that can stun the world with its grandeur! It is from here you’re most likely to have access to the greatest diversity of trade opportunities. It’s here the most wealthy buyers will be stationed and the highest quality resources will be found.

Jerusalem is a good location as well, despite being inland it is a frequent site for pilgrimages that brings in wealth and prosperity to the region. It’s also the reason why it is good to trade either in the city itself or in the surrounding cities with other merchants who have more regular access to the region and would be more than willing to be parted from their coin for the right goods. It also serves as a good middle ground that can redistribute your good across the region with ease, which attracts even more willing merchants.

Alexandria is much like Istanbul for its importance, connecting many goods from Africa and southern aspects of the Ottoman Empire with a deep history dating back to Ancient times. Many relics can be found here.

Trade Goods and Cultures

The regions of the Ottoman Empire are steeped with different ethnicities and religions. Each with their own customs and expectations for interactions.

On a general level however it is most important to recognize the differences between your and the dominant faith in the region, and be sure to not let your own misconceptions stand between you and good business.

So some things to avoid. Do not try to woo any of the women unless you know for certain that you may. It would be bad for your business and relations where you to speak to a married woman to whom you should not speak freely. Their faith places many restrictions on how women may interact with society, therefor it would be wise to speak with the male figure of a house first.

There are other things that generally do not need to be said to avoid but are a good idea to avoid. Avoid making religious differences an issue, so generally keep it low key. If you see what you believe to be religious in nature respect it. Praise, Respect, and Mutual Benefit will be your best friends anywhere you go.