Saksagan

During the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent (1520-1566), the Ottoman Empire witnessed the pinnacle of its treasury’s prosperity. Historian Hammer chronicled the influx and efflux of gold, silver, and jeweled treasures from both western and eastern lands during this period. He described elaborate processions organized to welcome dignitaries, such as the Iranian Prince Elkas Mirza, whose arrival prompted grand ceremonies surpassing even those for Indian envoys Establishment of Ottoman Treasuries.

Grand Ceremonies and Gifts

The grandeur of the Ottoman military procession, with its infantry, artillery, and cavalry troops, left the Iranian Prince in awe. Mistaking Ottoman commanders for Sultan Suleyman himself, the Prince repeatedly rose to his feet in reverence. The splendor of the Janissaries’ Commander in Chief and the Grand Vizier further dazzled him. Suleyman’s personal appearance, adorned with gl

Yavuz Sultan Selim’s Era

The organization of Ottoman treasuries saw its inception during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim. This development was prompted by the Sultan’s triumphant return from expeditions to Egypt and Iran, laden with substantial loot. Ottoman historians highlighted the overflowing treasures amassed during his reign. Sultan Selim’s statement encapsulated his concern for the future of the treasury, proclaiming that if his successor were to deplete the gold-filled treasury, it should be sealed with their seal, but if not, it should remain sealed with his own Turkey Tour Guide.

Treasury Organization

Ata’s History provides insight into the treasury organization during Yavuz Sultan Selim’s reign. It delineates the allocation of domestic and foreign booty in the Imperial Treasury, earmarking funds for military ex

Undated Construction

The Arms Section of Topkapi Palace, which stands today, lacks a specific construction date or inscription. However, it is undoubtedly the second Treasury after the Castle of Seven Towers (Yedikule), despite the potentially early date attributed to it.

Transfer of Assets

In another treasury register book, it is documented that on the 7th of Zilhicce (12th month) of the year 892 (1487), items were transferred from the Castle of Seven Towers to the Imperial Palace Exterior Treasury. Similarly, on the 25th day of Zilhicce 892, items were surrendered to the Treasurer. These records affirm the emergence of this new treasury The Magnificent Era of Suleyman.

Unique Architectural Features

The exterior treasury stands out due to its peculiar architectural elements. Its windows are positioned high above ground-level from the outside, while inside, there are hollowed-out stone cells mea

Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s Conquests and Governance

Establishment of the Ottoman Treasury

Historical records indicate that the existence of a Treasury Department within Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s old palace is not well-documented. However, the Ottoman State Treasury remained in Edirne Palace until the construction of the Castle of the Seven Towers (Yedikule) in 1458. This fortress, built adjacent to Byzantium’s golden gate, served as the Ottoman State Treasury for an extended period, accumulating significant riches due to widespread conquests Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s Reign.

Conquests and Rewards

Under Sultan Mehmet’s leadership, Ottoman armies continued their conquests, reaching Southern Anatolia and capturing the Fortress in Alanya without resistance. Prince Kilig Arslan, the fortress commander, surrendered, receiving a substantial gift of diamonds from the

Conquests, Diplomacy, and Governance

Execution of Halil Pasha

Twenty days after the conquest of Istanbul, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror returned to Edirne and took decisive action against Halil Pasha of Qandarli for his collaboration with Byzantium. Halil Pasha was executed, and his considerable wealth, amounting to 120,000 gold ducats, was seized. This event marked the first execution of a Grand Vizier in Ottoman history and highlighted the state’s practice of seizing assets from executed officials, contributing significantly to the Imperial Treasury’s income.

Diplomatic Engagements

Sultan Mehmet initiated diplomatic correspondence with various regions, including Egypt, Persia, Mecca, and Western countries, informing them of the conquest. Envoys from Serbia, Mora, Genoa, Trebizond, and Ragusa presented valuable gifts and agreed to pay annual taxes as a sign of allegiance. Hungary avoided invasion by agreeing to pay a significant annual ta

Sultan Mehmet’s Conquest of Istanbul

Following the conquest of Istanbul, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror engaged in diplomatic correspondence with various rulers, including Shah Cihan Mirza of Iran. These letters not only conveyed the news of victory but also discussed the implications and exchanged compliments and gifts. In this article, we explore the exchange of letters between Sultan Mehmet and Shah Cihan Mirza, shedding light on the diplomatic protocols and the significance of conquest in shaping the Ottoman Empire’s trajectory Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s Conquests and Governance.

Diplomatic Exchange

Sultan Mehmet’s conquest letter to Shah Cihan Mirza described the plundering of property and the stabilization of religious affairs after the victory. In response, Shah Cihan Mirza expressed admiration for Sultan Mehmet’s leadership and sent compliments laden w