A Sacred Greeting to the Sultan
The loud cry heard as the Sultan passes is a traditional greeting from faithful Muslims. It is a religious expression of devotion to the...
Friday Prayers at Hamidieh Mosque
Sultan Abdul Hamid performs his public prayers at the Hamidieh Mosque. This beautiful mosque is located inside the imperial park, close to a tall...
The Art of Cooking in Byzantine Times
Cooking is an art, not a science. Even when we have recipes, cooks must interpret and change them to make food enjoyable. When there...
The Venetian Quarter of Constantinople Revisited
The exact location and borders of the Venetian quarter in Constantinople remain a major question in historical studies. Most of what we know comes...
Ceremonies in the Suburbs of Constantinople
This paper focuses on the role of Constantinople’s European suburbs in imperial ceremonies. These suburbs were located just outside the city walls, near important...
Constant Watch from Soldiers
Throughout the afternoon, the soldiers kept a constant watch on me. Even though I had four mounted horsemen with me, I was always seen...
Getting the Escort Ready
I sent a message to the Vali, reminding him of his promise to provide me with an escort. I told him that I planned...
Trying to Get Horses and Travel Plans
I politely ignored all the advice about returning by train, mentioning that I had heard a lot about the beautiful scenery. Since it would...
Justin was acclaimed
Justin was acclaimed in a raucous scene—the new emperor came away with a split lip from a scuffle with the scholares—and was carried off...
Gaining the throne
A proclamation might follow, or the welcoming of an ambassador. At the end, the emperor would rise and leave, and then the dignitaries would...
