Wealth and Power as the Greatest Faith

Founded by Turkish tribes in northwestern Anatolia, the ottoman dynasty grew to be one of the most powerful and long living empires ever to exist. From 1299 and until almost 7 decades after, the Ottoman Empire has expanded enormously and have conquered and ruled a massive territory that spread over 3 continents-Asia, Europe and Africa. The expansion of the empire started with military conquests, which the ottomans considered to be, together with a complete supervision of the government on expenditure and taxation, the main sources for achieving wealth. This paper will attempt to explain the direct connection between wealth, power and expansion of the Ottoman Empire. The different contest presented will affirm that it was the accumulated wealth that in turn helped the empire to farther expand.

The reading first suggests of the exposure of one culture to another by displaying of ottoman wealth and costumes to a Genoese diplomat. Since the state’s policy was rather strict when it comes to foreign trade, it can also suggest of the nature of these relationship. Since the rules regarding foreign trade were crumbling down only in the second half of the 18th century it is more likely to assume that the connection with foreigners, especially of high rank, were for the purpose of displaying power. The courtesy and generous reception of the diplomat is obvious. It can be implied from the text that the diplomat had its own wealth as well, in the mentioning of his “own attendants”, for example, which may explain the need of “comparing” power. The Ottoman Empire, during the reign of Suleiman, was extremely wealthy and established in its hierarchy. Many details point out to evidence of foreign import; Persian tiles and floors of “cedar and sandalwood” from Persia. “Silk cushions striped with silver” which are most likely imported from the greatest manufacturer of silk at the time and in current days, China. An insight on the Ottoman Empire economy’s available, when understanding the origin of the valuable items mentioned.

The harem, in which the visit takes place, was located in the Topkapi palace, that is said to be a reflection of the “ottoman’s view of government, the sultan’s emphasis on religion and the continuing influence of ottoman familial traditions.”(p.423) Its structure puts the sultan himself in close proximity of his high-ranked sovereigns and family. The need of strict rules, supervision and direct control is evident. The palace was also used for events that were open o the public in a way that could have demonstrated once again its wealth to outsiders, and bring pride to the empire’s citizens. Wealth has been a tool in the to uplift the prestige of the limited women