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.