#13th century turkey????

[minetteskvareninova]

Literally hearing it from someone else is the most fun way to learn anything. Like you may not always have the patience to read a book about something, but to hear it from an enthusiast? Always a pleasure. Why do you think podcasts and video essays are so popular? What are they but your favourite guys explaining you stuff? (Ofc that is not to say reading books isn't important when you want to truly get into a topic, but as a casual lurker who just wants to hear a couple of fun facts, it is just plain easier, for better or for worse.)

see one of my problems w movies n tv shows is that they often show a character of like a scientist or a historian and try and make them extremely boring but that shit just doesnt work on me. theyll b like 'well in 13th century turkey...' n everyone will b like ughhh shut up professor dinglebarry no one cares and like. well excuse me. stop the movie. id like to hear more about 13th century turkey.

[sheltiechicago]

Istanbul, Turkey

Whirling dervish children practise as they wait to perform at the Blue Mosque Square, marking the 750th anniversary of the death of Mevlana Jalaluddin al-Rumi, a 13th-century Sufi mystic

Photograph: Erdem Şahin/EPA

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Reference: Food History

B.C.

10,000 - almonds, cherries, bread, flour, soup

8,000 - wheat ⚜ 7,000 - wine, beer, pistachios, pig, goat, sheep, lard

6,500 - cattle domestication, apples ⚜ 6,000 - tortilla, dates, maize

5,000 - honey, ginger, quinoa, avocados, potatoes, milk, yogurt

4,000 - focaccia, watermelons, grapes, pomegranates

3,200 - chicken domestication ⚜ 3,000 - butter, onion, garlic, apricots

2,737 - tea ⚜ 2,500 - olive oil, seaweed, duck ⚜ 2,300 - saffron

2,000 - peaches, liquorice, marshmallow, pasta, ham, sesame seeds

1,500 - chocolate, vanilla ⚜ 1,200 - sugar ⚜ 1,000 - mangoes, oats, pickles

900 - pears, tomatoes ⚜ 700 - cinnamon ⚜ 600 - bananas, poppy seeds

500 - artichokes ⚜ 400 - pastries, appetizers, vinegar

300 - parsley ⚜ 200 - turkeys, asparagus, rhubarb ⚜ 65 - quince

1st—13th Century

1st Century - chestnuts, lobster, crab, shrimp, truffles, blueberries, raspberries, capers, kale, blood (as food), fried chicken, foie gras, French toast, omelettes, rice pudding, flan, cheesecake, pears in syrup

3rd Century - lemons ⚜ 5th - pretzels ⚜ 6th - eggplant

7th Century - spinach, kimchi ⚜ 9th - coffee, nutmeg

10th Century - flower waters, Peking duck, shark's fin soup

11th Century - baklava, corned beef, cider, lychees, seitan

12th Century - breadfruit, artichokes, gooseberries

13th Century - ravioli, lasagne, mozzarella, pancakes, waffles, couscous

14th—19th Century

14th Century - kebabs, moon cakes, guacamole, pie, apple pie, crumpets, gingerbread

15th Century - coconuts, Japanese sushi and sashimi, pineapples, marmalade, risotto, marzipan, doughnuts, hot dogs

16th Century - pecans, cashews (in India), Japanese tempura, vanilla (in Europe), fruit leather, skim milk, sweetbreads, salsa, quiche, teriyaki chicken, English trifle, potato salad

17th Century - treacle, pralines, coffee cake, modern ice cream, maple sugar, rum, French onion soup, cream puffs, bagels, pumpkin pie, lemonade, croissants, lemon meringue pie

18th Century - root beer, tapioca, French fries, ketchup, casseroles, mayonnaise, eggnog, soda water, lollipops, sangria, muffins, crackers, chowder, croquettes, cupcakes, sandwiches, apple butter, souffle, deviled eggs

19th Century - toffee, butterscotch, cocoa, Turkish delight, iodized salt, vanilla extract, modern marshmallows, potato chips, fish and chips, breakfast cereal, Tabasco sauce, Kobe beef, margarine, unsalted butter, Graham crackers, fondant, passionfruit, saltwater taffy, milkshakes, pizza, peanut butter, tea bags, cotton candy, jelly beans, candy corn, elbow macaroni, fondue, wedding cake, canapes, gumbo, ginger ale, carrot cake, bouillabaisse, cobbler, peanut brittle, pesto, baked Alaska, iced tea, fruit salad, fudge, eggs Benedict, Waldorf salad

20th Century

1901 - peanut butter and jelly ⚜ 1904 - banana splits ⚜ 1905 - NY pizza

1906 - brownies, onion rings ⚜ 1907 - aioli

1908 - Steak Diane, buttercream frosting ⚜ 1909 - shrimp cocktail

1910 - Jell-O (America's most famous dessert)

1910s - orange juice ⚜ 1912 - Oreos, maraschino cherries, fortune cookies

1912 - Chicken a la King, Thousand Island dressing

1914 - Fettuccine Alfredo ⚜ 1915 - hush puppies

1917 - marshmallow fluff ⚜ 1921 - Wonder Bread, zucchini

1919 - chocolate truffles ⚜ 1922 - Vegemite, Girl Scout cookies

1923 - popsicles ⚜ 1924 - frozen foods, pineapple upside-down cake, Caesar salad, chocolate-covered potato chips

1927 - Kool-Aid, s'mores, mayonnaise cake ⚜ 1929 - Twizzlers

1930s - Pavlova cakes, Philly cheese steak, Pigs in blankets, margaritas, banana bread, Cajun fried turkey ⚜ 1931 - souffle, refrigerator pie

1933 - chocolate covered pretzels ⚜ 1936 - no-bake cookies

1937 - Reubens, chicken Kiev, SPAM, Krispy Kreme

1938 - chicken and waffles ⚜ 1939 - seedless watermelon

1941 - Rice Krispies treats, Monte Cristo sandwiches ⚜ 1943 - nachos

1946 - chicken burgers, tuna melts, Nutella ⚜ 1947- chiffon cake

1950s - chicken parm, Irish coffee, cappuccino, smoothies, frozen pizza, diet soda, TV Dinners, ranch dressing ⚜ 1951 - bananas foster

1953 - coronation chicken ⚜ 1956 - German chocolate cake, panini

1957 - Quebec Poutine ⚜ 1958 - Instant ramen noodles, crab rangoon, lemon bars ⚜ 1960s - beef Wellington, green eggs and ham, red velvet cake

1963 - black forest cake ⚜ 1964 - Belgian waffles, Pop Tarts, Buffalo wings, ants on a log, pita bread ⚜ 1965 - Gatorade, Slurpees

1966 - chocolate fondue ⚜ 1967 - high fructose corn syrup

1970s - California rolls, pasta primavera, tiramisu ⚜ 1971 - fajitas

1975 - hicken tikka masala ⚜ 1980 - turducken

1980s - Panko, portobello mushrooms, bubble tea, chicken nuggets, Sriracha, Red Bull energy drink, everything bagels

1990s - artisan breads, Jamaican jerk ⚜ 1991 - turkey bacon, chocolate molten lava cake, earthquake cake ⚜ 1993 - broccolini

1995 - Tofurkey ⚜ 1997 - grape tomatoes

21st Century

2002 - flat iron steak, tear-free onions ⚜ 2007 - Kool-Aid pickles, cake pops

2008 - Mexican funnel cake ⚜ 2013 - cronuts, test tube burgers

Source ⚜ Writing Notes & References

[artifacts-archive]

Seal of Tarkasnawa, King of Mira

Hittite, Anatolia, late 13th century BCE (Hittite Empire)

Luwian hieroglyphs surround a figure in royal dress. The inscription, repeated in cuneiform around the rim, gives the seal owner's name: Tarkasnawa, king of Mira. The name of the ruler was previously transliterated into English as Tarkondemos and Tarkummuwa. Other inscriptions naming Tarkasnawa of Mira are known, including seals found at Hattusa (the capital of the Hittite Empire) and the Karabel rock relief carving near Izmir, Turkey. Located in west-central Anatolia, Mira was a vassal state of the Hittite Empire. This seal, originally published in the 1860s, was purchased in Izmir by its first known modern owner, A. Jovanoff. Its famous bilingual inscription provided the first clues for deciphering Luwian hieroglyphs, which were previously called Hittite hieroglyphs.

[gemsofgreece]

Turkey is about to convert another Greek Orthodox church to a mosque in Istanbul. They have been doing it relentlessly with many churches in the country, the most well known example being Hagia Sophia of course. This time they are about to convert the Church of Chora, a 4th century monastery which is particularly notable for having some of the best preserved religious art, icons and mosaics of the Byzantine style. It is the prime example of the Paleologan renaissance of the 13th century which was critical for the post-Byzantine and modern Orthodox style as we know it nowadays. Of course all the monument’s masterpieces are going to be covered for the church to be converted into a mosque.

It should be noted that as a city of 15 million, it already has more than 3,000 mosques, yet the need to turn historical churches to mosques seems to feel most urgent to them for some reason. Surely the reason must not be that Istanbul feels threatened by the presence of the remaining 2,000 Constantinopolitan Greeks (aka those who survived the islamisation, the pogroms, the deportations, the death marches and the genocide 🙃). So what is this urgency about?

Taking into consideration that from the next year they are also adding the irredentist fabrication of “Blue Homeland” (since when are Turks indigenous to islands for them to have a blue homeland?!?!?! 😂😂😂) to their schoolbooks, aka Turkey’s claim to half of Greece’s territorial waters in the Aegean Sea and all the islands located in these waters, and because it is obvious to me that a country of 80+ million cannot possibly feel threatened by a country of 10 million, I conclude once again that Turkey is simply threatened by the very easy modern international access to historical sources. So you have to start the brainwashing and the hate speech from an as early age as possible and you have to erase all signs of an alternative view of history from your streets to fight all the contradictory facts that can be learned from international sources within seconds from your phone.

[nevzatboyraz44]

How beautiful is Positano?😍

🎥 @virtual_tourelax

5️⃣ facts about Positano 👇🏻

1. Vertical Layout and Breathtaking Views: Positano’s unique, vertical layout creates a stunning visual experience, with colorful houses cascading down the cliffside. The town’s elevation offers breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea from almost every corner, making it a photographer’s paradise.

2. Path of the Gods: Positano is the endpoint of the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), one of the most famous hiking trails in the world. The trail offers awe-inspiring views of the Amalfi Coast, providing an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

3. Romantic and Mythical Origins: According to legend, Positano was founded by the god Poseidon out of love for the nymph Pasitea. This mythical origin adds a layer of romance and magic to the town, making it an enchanting destination for couples.

4. Church of Santa Maria Assunta: The iconic church with its colorful dome is not only a historical landmark but also a symbol of Positano’s charm. Inside, the 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Madonna adds to the town’s spiritual and cultural richness.

5. Fashion and Artisanship: Positano is known for its unique local fashion, «Moda Positano», featuring handmade, lightweight clothing perfect for the Mediterranean climate. Shopping in the town’s boutiques offers a chance to take home a piece of Positano’s creative spirit, making it a destination for fashion enthusiasts and those who appreciate craftsmanship.

Turkey 🇹🇷 -Ankara's colorful hills 🤩

⛰️ Nallıhan Kız Tepesi, which has a colorful appearance due to the elements and minerals in the rocks, draws attention with its difference in geological features and visual richness.

🏞️ Also known as "Rainbow Hills" due to its colorful appearance, this natural beauty, which is approximately 10 million years old, is right next to Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary, which is home to many species. 🦜

📸: Beytullah Eles, AA

[whencyclopedia]

7 Ancient Sites in Georgia

Georgia, lying at the junction of Europe and Asia, is a country of ancient myths with a rich and turbulent history. Home to the first European hominids and the birthplace of wine, Georgia's roots trace back to ancient civilisations. Throughout its history, the Caucasus region witnessed the influence of various empires and played a crucial role in transcontinental trade routes.

The most famous Georgian kingdom was Colchis, the mythical land of Medea and the Golden Fleece. It flourished from the 13th to the 6th century BCE, thanks to its strategic location along the Black Sea and its abundant natural resources.

Geography

Georgia is between the Black Sea to the west and the Caspian Sea to the east. It is bordered by Russia to the north, Azerbaijan to the southeast, Armenia to the south, and Turkey to the southwest. The country lies mostly in the Caucasus Mountains, and its boundaries are partly defined by the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, two of the world's great mountain ranges and the highest peaks in Europe. Georgia has a diverse, fertile geography with extensive plains and rivers, navigable marshes, deep forests, mountains, and passes. Georgia has about 25,000 rivers. The largest river in western Georgia, the Phasis (now known as the Rioni River), was considered by ancient Greek geographers such as Anaximander of Miletus (l. c. 610 to c. 546 BCE) as the dividing line between Europe and Asia.

Continue reading...

[anthos11]

The Holy Quarter by Max Bedulenko - The Christ Pantocrator of the Deesis mosaic (13th-century) in Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey)

[bijoumikhawal]

Talking about the Qabā'. Again.

The last time I talked about the Qaba was in another post where i was very excited to have found a miniature from either Syria or Egypt that matched an extant piece of fabric from a close time period. Today I'm going to talk about the garment itself more, and it's relatives. The impetus for this is that a few months ago, I was scrolling through hanfu blogs- if you've read the article I published in Egyptian Migrations, you know I have an interest not just in Egyptian fashion, but how other cultures navigate fashion, both in their unique subcultures and traditional styles. While doing so I came across the tieli (貼裏), and quite liked the look of it, so I searched up the garment and began looking more at it. As I was scrolling through the many pretty pictures, I realized hey- I've seen this before. This looks a lot like that coat with the red foliage pattern!

Turns out this was because they're related.

They're not the only ones either- the Qabā' (as both Farsi and Arabic call it), the Tieli, the Indian Jama, the Korean Cheolik, and more, all bear a resemblance to each other. Covergent evolution happens plenty of course, but in this case there's something of an established link. In fact while doing my research, I found a paper specifically about this garment family (The Dress of the Mongol Empire: Genealogy And Diaspora of the Terlig by Woohyun Cho, Jaeyoon Yi, and Jinyoung Kim), though without explicit mention of the Qabā'.

The name and garment Tieli come from the Mongolian Terlig and Jisün (also called a Zhama (诈玛 or 詐馬), establishing a possible linguistic connection to the Jama) during the Yuan dynasty. Like many Mongolian traditional garments, it's well suited to horseback riding, which which what many Mamluk depictions also show the Qabā' being worn during. It could be round or cross collar (the combination of the two is unique to the Qabā'). The key features of the garment were a knee to calf length skirt that was gathered or pleated, a close fitting bodice cut separate from the skirt, close fitting sleeves, a corded waist which usually lead into the ties that closed the garment. According to the aforementioned trio, the garment was originally made of hides, and the waist detail found in the original Terlig, lost in other cultures renditions, is an indication of this. The Terlig, known before this point, was introduced to China, India, and Korean when the Monglian Empire was an active political entity in the 13th century and onwards, and this is the case for this style of Qabā' as well. During the 13th century, the Ilkhanate was established in the former territory of the Khwarazmian Empire, after a political incident where the Shah ordered the execution of a group of merchants sent by the Mongolian Empire lead to a long military conflict. The Ilkhanate went on to control large portions of Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and the Caucasus, as well as Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Pakistan. Ultimately the Ilkhanate tried, but never did, conquer Egypt, which was ruled by the Mamluks at the time.

However, it did leave a cultural influence behind. Reference to this origin for this style of qaba can be found in one of the two names for the Qabā': al-aqbiya al-tatariyya or qabā' tatarī, meaning the Tatar coat or Tatar way of wearing a coat. Tatar, in this instance, is being used to refer to Mongolians. A similar distinction can be found in the Jama, where Muslims fasten it on the right in the Mongolian style (brought to my attention by the paper mentioned before). The tatarī is fastened in the same way, ties on the wearer's right of the body. The other style of Qabā' (al-aqbiya al-turkiyya) is the same, but fastens on the opposite side of the body. The Mamluks preferred the tatarī, but it was not the exclusive style worn. Along with this, some Qabā' fastened in the center front.

The Jisün was a type of Terlig, made of one color of silk and gold, worn as a robe of honor by officials during the Yuan dynasty. During the later Ming dynasty, it became the dress of certain military officials. It had different varieties for seasons and social status. It also progenitated the Yesa (曳撒), which was longer and more widely worn than the Jisün. The Feiyufu (飞鱼服) was a Ming variant of the Tieli, and another type of honor robe. The Qing dynasty Chaofu also seems to have taken the terlig into account when it was designed.

The Cheolik has a crossover collar, pleated skirt, and may have quite long, wide sleeves. Political marriages with Mongolian courts likely helped this garment take root. This garment is still worn today as Korea, like China, has revitalized its traditional clothing. It is mostly by women today as far as I can tell, though historically it was a masculine garment. It has a longer hem than the Terlig. It also sometimes had a higher waistline.

The Jama was introduced by the Mughal dynasty, and unlike the other garments listed here which typically used rectangles and triangles for constructing clothes, the one pattern I've seen for it taken from an extant garment (as opposed to being a guess) shows a skirt made of gores and set in sleeves with a gusset. Another example, laid flat, shows rectangular sleeves with a gusset, but the skirt cannot be determined. It was later renamed to sarbgati. It typically has a crossover fastening, though I have seen one that closed in the center front. The ties are especially prominent and decorated, which overall is not the case in the rest of the garment family. Gold bands on the sleeves and collar are sometimes found as decoration. It also has a longer hem and higher waistline than the Terlig.

In my previous post I noted a similarly to this robe and the Central Asian and Persian robes I'd seen from a different century, but was hesitant to connect them. Now I'm sure of a connection. The waist seam is confirmed! There are still several stylistic differences, though:

1. The Qabā', in Syrian and Egyptian depictions, typically combines a round neckline with the cross over collar. The Persian Qabā' typically does not have a round neckline.

2. The Qabā' usually has what looks like a gathered skirt, not a pleated one, as the Tieli does. The Terlig sometimes has a gathered skirt as well, as does the Jama.

3. The Syrian and Egyptian Qabā' is decorated with strips of gold, not with a cloud collar. The Persian Qabā' often has a cloud collar, which it inherits from the Terlig, and I have seen an Angarkha from Lahore with a cloud collar as well. It sometimes has bands. The Seljuk Qabā' sometimes has bands, and sometimes has a rank badge (more commonly found in Chinese court dress). As an aside, I recently found a British drawing (from life, presumably) of an Egyptian envoy in a garment similar to an Angarkha as well...

4. The Qabā' in Syrian and Egyptian depictions often retains the knee or calf length good for horse riding that many other garments in this family moved away from.

5. The Qabā' most likely does not have the corded waist found in the Terlig. There is a gold band around the waist in some depictions that could be a braided waist, but could also be a belt. Unfortunately I don't know of any extant examples from Syria or Egypt that would clarify matters. There is an example which might be Persian that does show this corded waist. Most depictions have no waist detail other than an indication of a waistline.

As far as I know, while this robe spread a little into the Balkans and Eastern Europe (the cloud collar has appeared in some Christian Iconography and a few examples of Terlig like historical garments exist), it did not spread much further west or south of Egypt. However, given the Qabā' has been excluded from discussions of the Terlig's many sons already, it's possible I simply don't know about it, as further iterations in Africa would be excluded as well. As always, I welcome people bringing their own findings to the table.

Further reading: The Dress of the Mongol Empire: Genealogy And Diaspora of the Terlig by Woohyun Cho, Jaeyoon Yi, and Jinyoung Kim

Mongol court dress, identity formation, and global exchange by Eiren L. Shea

https://sartorialegypt.wordpress.com/2022/12/03/a-brief-discussion-of-a-mamluk-robe/ - prev post

http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O480307/gown/ - the cloud collar angarkha

https://www.newhanfu.com/6021.html - Discussion of the tieli and yesa

https://www.jstor.org/stable/41917645 - Terlig discussion

https://www.jstor.org/stable/43957434 - general discussion of Yuan clothing with a nice example of a terlig

https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/silk-road-themes/mouvable-heritage-and-museums/robe-decorative-braided-waist-band-0 - Terlig example

A Preliminary Study of Mongol Costumes in the Ming Dynasty by Luo Wei

https://m.terms.naver.com/entry.naver?cid=46671&docId=563301&categoryId=46671 - Cheolik

Arab dress: a short history; from the dawn of Islam to modern times by Yedida Stillman

https://lugatism.com/outer-garments-in-the-mamluk-sultanate/#3-_Qaba_qba - the Qaba and other dress in the Mamluk era

https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/collection/artifact/robe-AKM677 - a robe which may be Persian or Central Asian with the corded waist

Additionally, blogs like @ziseviolet and @fouryearsofshades post about hanfu, including the tieli and yesa.

[worldhistoryfacts]

Images from a 13th-century Armenian gospel from modern-day eastern Turkey. It shows the four gospel authors standing together and then, on the back, Jesus' disciples discovering his open tomb.

{WHF} {Ko-Fi} {Medium}

[bobemajses]

Sephardic Jewish woman from Belgrade, 1910

The settlement of Jews in the Belgrade area goes back to Roman times. Ashkenazim from Italy and Hungary came to the city in the 13th century and were joined by Sephardim from Turkey in 1521. After the capture of Belgrade by Austria, Austrian soldiers looted and killed the Turkish and Jewish population. Some Jews managed to flee to Bulgaria, but the majority were taken prisoner and deported as slaves to Austria. Only when in 1815 Milosh Obrenovich was recognized ruler of Serbia the Jewish community really began to flourish. When the Germans entered Belgrade in April 1941, 12,000 Jews were living there. The ethnic Germans of the city led the soldiers to Jewish shops and homes. The Ashkenazi synagogue was turned into a brothel. Jewish and Roma men were trucked to a killing site outside the city and ordered to dig their own graves. Then the German shot 100 men for every soldier the Yugoslav Partisans killed and 50 for every one wounded. Jewish women and children were transported to a camp on the Sava river, where they died of cold and starvation and were buried in the village of Jaintsi.

[sheltiechicago]

Mihrab of 13th century Eşrefoğlu Mosque in Beyşehir, Turkey

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA)

[batmanlovesnirvana]

Hi! Me again.

First of all, I want to talk about the Grishas in the Ottoman Empire, of course there wouldn't be a definitive acceptance as you said. However, I think a distinction like the Muslim-non-Muslim distinction in the Ottoman Empire is possible. The Grishas are not completely equal, both in taxes and other issues, but they also have their own freedoms to a great extent. In this regard, we should also discuss which period of the Ottoman Empire we are witnessing. However, I think the most "Ottoman" period of the Ottoman Empire and the most interesting period to read was the period starting from Fatih Sultan Mehmet to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, the 15th and 16th centuries. And as you said, these sultans wanted to conquer Ravka, because the Ottoman Empire had a "World State" policy.

While reading what you wrote about this, my mind went to Darkling and when I scrolled the page, I saw that you were talking about him :) As someone who has witnessed many eras, he would wonder how this state inspired by the Ottoman Empire could treat the Grishas like this. As you said, there would be a jealousy-imitation situation, but he is a man loyal to his state. If there was a war, he would undoubtedly be on Ravka's side. This raises the question in me, what if Darkling was a member of this state adapted from the Ottoman Empire? he is a very nationalist person, we Turks do not hesitate to give our lives for our flag and this is one of the reasons why I like Darkling. If we read that he was involved in this state and directed the complicated palace intrigues (because there are many events in the Ottoman Palace, such as harem fights and throne fights), I would be very affected by this. The story would also change completely ;)

On the other hand, it would be different to read a smart, ambitious and cunning Sultan in contrast to the stupidity of the King of Ravka. Also, the idea of ​​Nikolai growing up with princes in the Ottoman Palace is a colorful page.

Finally, if I you are writing a story about this, this would be one of the things I will enjoy reading the most, please never hesitate to research and if you want my help, I am here :)

🖤

@yikilmisbirisi Thank you so much for sending this my way—seriously, I really appreciate it !!! I love diving into different perspectives and opinions <3

History has always fascinated me, and the Ottoman Empire is particularly intriguing for me, especially because my home country was once part of it :) I grew up watching shows like Muhteşem Yüzyıl (The Magnificent Century) and Muhteşem Yüzyıl Kösem. I know, I know—they’re more romanticized than accurate, but I still find them enjoyable. There’s also other Turkish historical dramas I love, like Diriliş: Ertuğrul, which dives into the 13th-century warrior Ertuğrul, and Vatanım Sensin (Wounded Love), set during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. There’s also Çalıkuşu (Lovebird) and Rise of Empires: Ottoman—though I haven’t finished watching the latter yet.

My grandmother, on the other hand, is all about modern Turkish dramas. Whenever I visit her, it’s become a bit of a tradition for us to watch them together. She gets so into them, it’s so funny 😭 !! Shows like Kaderimin Yazıldığı Gün (lol) are more her speed, with their contemporary settings. My family also frequently travels to Turkey for vacations, and I’ve grown to love the culture. In many ways, I find it similar to my own ;)

First of all, I want to talk about the Grishas in the Ottoman Empire, of course there wouldn't be a definitive acceptance as you said. However, I think a distinction like the Muslim-non-Muslim distinction in the Ottoman Empire is possible. The Grishas are not completely equal, both in taxes and other issues, but they also have their own freedoms to a great extent.

Yep, I initially thought along those lines too, but then I reconsidered. I started thinking—what if the Grisha share the same religion as the majority in the O.I.C ? (Ottoman-inspired country—I'm abbreviating because, honestly, writing it out every time is exhausting). This religion would be similar to Islam, though there would also be smaller religious groups, like a Ravkan religion of the saints, for example.

However, the real issue here is the power the Grisha possess. In the Ottoman Empire, the millet system primarily addressed religious minorities, but magic introduces a whole new dimension.

Magic is generally met with suspicion, so the Grisha would likely be placed within a millet-like system, not because of their religion, but because of their unique powers. They’d definitely experience more tolerance in the O.I.C. compared to neighboring countries, but they’d still be viewed with caution due to their abilities. That said, as time goes on, they would gradually integrate into society more fully, which would help ease some of that initial tension.

In this regard, we should also discuss which period of the Ottoman Empire we are witnessing. However, I think the most "Ottoman" period of the Ottoman Empire and the most interesting period to read was the period starting from Fatih Sultan Mehmet to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, the 15th and 16th centuries. And as you said, these sultans wanted to conquer Ravka, because the Ottoman Empire had a "World State" policy.

Oh, absolutely !!! Mehmet the Conqueror really set the stage for the empire’s grandeur, and Suleyman—if I’m remembering right—had the longest reign of them all. I definitely envision this O.I.C. during their peak, when they were at the height of their power and influence.

What’s also fascinating is how advanced they were compared to other nations in the Grishaverse, both militarily and socially. For instance, the role of women in the royal courts is a perfect example. Kösem Sultan was incredibly powerful during the period known as the Reign of Women (Kadinlar Saltanati). While Hürrem Sultan was the first to wield political influence from behind the scenes, Kösem Sultan actually ruled for 12 years until her son, Murad IV, was old enough to take the throne. There’s so much to explore here—it’s a really rich and intriguing period.

While reading what you wrote about this, my mind went to Darkling and when I scrolled the page, I saw that you were talking about him :) As someone who has witnessed many eras, he would wonder how this state inspired by the Ottoman Empire could treat the Grishas like this.

Absolutely, he'd definitely have mixed feelings. On one hand, he’d admire how the O.I.C. treats Grisha with a certain level of respect, despite the general unease about their powers. Unlike the Fjerdans, who are openly hostile, the O.I.C. is more understanding, even if they don’t fully accept or support the Grisha. It’s not perfect, but at least the Grisha aren’t being hunted down at every turn. His admiration would likely be tempered by skepticism—whether it’s his survival instincts kicking in or just his natural paranoia, he’d probably be constantly questioning how genuine that respect really is.

As you said, there would be a jealousy-imitation situation, but he is a man loyal to his state. If there was a war, he would undoubtedly be on Ravka's side. This raises the question in me, what if Darkling was a member of this state adapted from the Ottoman Empire? he is a very nationalist person, we Turks do not hesitate to give our lives for our flag and this is one of the reasons why I like Darkling. If we read that he was involved in this state and directed the complicated palace intrigues (because there are many events in the Ottoman Palace, such as harem fights and throne fights), I would be very affected by this. The story would also change completely ;)

If the Darkling were a member of this Ottoman-inspired state, the possibilities for his character development are endless. One intriguing angle is how he would interact with the mysticism and spiritual practices that were woven into the fabric of the Ottoman court.

Another fascinating idea is how he might leverage the empire’s vast network of spies and informants— I mean we already saw it in the canon book but in a different setting like this, it would be even more interesting. The Ottoman Empire was renowned for its intelligence network, and the Darkling, with his strategic mind, could take this to a whole new level. This network wouldn’t just serve the empire—it would be an extension of his own will (of course), allowing him to pull strings behind the scenes in ways that even the most powerful viziers might not realize.

His involvement in the harem would also take on a unique dimension. The harem wasn’t just a place of palace intrigue; it was also a center of cultural and intellectual life. The Darkling could forge alliances with powerful women within the harem, perhaps even mentoring a young sultana or concubine with latent Grisha abilities, guiding her rise to power in exchange for her loyalty. This could lead to a complex, almost symbiotic relationship, where the Darkling’s influence in the court is both overt and subtle, as he plays the long game of empire-building.

Finally, the idea of the Darkling exploring uncharted territories for the empire is worth considering. The Ottoman Empire was known for its expansionist policies, and the Darkling, with his ambitions and unique abilities, could lead expeditions into unknown lands, seeking out ancient magical artifacts or lost knowledge that could further elevate his status and the empire’s power. This would not only satisfy his thirst for power but also align with the empire’s goal of becoming a dominant world power, making him a pivotal figure in a much grander and more intricate narrative.

On the other hand, it would be different to read a smart, ambitious and cunning Sultan in contrast to the stupidity of the King of Ravka. Also, the idea of ​​Nikolai growing up with princes in the Ottoman Palace is a colorful page.

The idea of a shrewd, ambitious Sultan as a counterpoint to the ineptitude of the King of Ravka would be amazing. A Sultan or Sultana who matches the Darkling in intelligence and cunning would add a layer of complexity to the political landscape, creating a dynamic where the Darkling isn’t the only one pulling the strings. This Sultan or even Sultana could be a master of strategy, someone who not only sees the Darkling as a powerful ally but also as a potential rival. The relationship between the two could be a fascinating dance of mutual respect and subtle manipulation, with both trying to outmaneuver each other while maintaining a facade of loyalty and cooperation.

Now, the idea of Nikolai growing up alongside Ottoman princes brings a whole new dimension to his character. Imagine him navigating the vibrant, complex world of the Ottoman court, learning from the best minds in politics, military strategy, and diplomacy. This experience would shape him into an even more formidable leader, blending Ravkan charm with Ottoman sophistication and tactical brilliance. He could have forged close bonds with the princes, creating a network of alliances that could come into play later in his story. This background would not only make Nikolai a more well-rounded character but also add depth to his eventual rise to power in Ravka, where his knowledge of Ottoman strategies and court politics could give him a significant edge.

Moreover, Nikolai’s exposure to the diverse cultural and religious landscape of the Ottoman court would broaden his worldview, making him more open-minded and adaptable. This would contrast sharply with the narrow perspectives of his peers back in Ravka, setting him apart as a leader capable of uniting different factions and navigating complex political terrains. His experiences in the Ottoman palace could also fuel his ambitions to modernize Ravka, inspired by the advancements he witnessed during his time there. By the time he heads back to Ravka, he’s not just a prince with a sharp tongue and a knack for invention—he’s got a Rolodex of alliances, a mind like a steel trap, and a tactical playbook that could make even the most seasoned generals sweat. His time in the Ottoman court would add layers to his character, making his eventual rise to power in Ravka less of a climb and more of a well-choreographed dance.

And let’s not forget the cultural impact. While his Ravkan peers are busy arguing over who’s got the best fur hat, Nikolai’s off contemplating the merits of Ottoman architecture and maybe dabbling in some calligraphy. He’d return to Ravka with a broader worldview, which would be both his greatest asset and the thing that drives everyone else nuts. “Why can’t you just be like the other princes, Nikolai?” Because he’s seen the world, thank you very much, and he knows how to use it to his advantage. His exposure to Ottoman life would make him a more adaptable, open-minded leader, setting him apart in a court that’s mostly stuck in its ways.

Then there’s the really juicy stuff—Nikolai’s interactions with the Ottoman princes and, let’s not forget, the harem. A young Ravkan prince suddenly dropped into a world where palace intrigue is practically a national pastime. The Ottoman princes, each with their own flair for drama, are constantly trying to outshine each other, and naturally, Nikolai—never one to shy away from a challenge—dives headfirst into the chaos. For him, it’s less of a royal duty and more of an extreme sport, with higher stakes and better costumes.

But here’s where it gets interesting. What starts as a game of one-upmanship could turn into something more. Maybe some of these princes, after a few shared adventures (or misadventures), become genuine friends. Or perhaps they remain rivals, but with a grudging respect for each other’s talents, like frenemies who occasionally save each other’s necks. These bonds, whether friendly or competitive, would give Nikolai a more complex emotional landscape, making his eventual return to Ravka not just about reclaiming a throne, but also about navigating a web of loyalty and rivalry that spans borders.

And then there’s the harem—the ultimate playground of palace politics, where every smile hides a secret, and every glance could start a war (or at least a very dramatic argument). With his natural charm and knack for reading people, Nikolai could easily find himself right in the thick of it. Maybe he befriends a particularly sharp-witted concubine who teaches him the art of subtle manipulation, or perhaps he finds himself entangled in a romance with one of the women there, adding a whole new layer of intrigue to his time in the palace.

Now, as for the ever-pressing issue of finding a wife, the Ottoman palace might just have the perfect candidate. Imagine Nikolai forming a bond with a princess during his time there. What starts as a strategic alliance could slowly turn into something deeper, with both of them finding in each other what they’ve been searching for all along. Marrying her would be a smart political move.

Of course, this marriage wouldn’t be without its complications. Their relationship would come with its own set of challenges—navigating the expectations of two very different courts, both of them come from very different backgrounds—he’s grown up in royal courts, accustomed to power and privilege, while she’s from a humble family, eventually forced into the life of a concubine and also figuring out how to unite their worlds without losing themselves in the process. But it would also add a rich, emotional depth to Nikolai’s story, making his rise to power not just about strategy, but also about love, loyalty, and the delicate dance of royal life.

In this scenario, Nikolai’s time in the Ottoman court wouldn’t just make him a better leader—it would turn him into a master of the game, someone who’s seen every side of power and knows exactly how to wield it. And that, of course, makes for one hell of a story 😏

Finally, if I you are writing a story about this, this would be one of the things I will enjoy reading the most, please never hesitate to research and if you want my help, I am here :)

Thank you! I’m thrilled that you find the storyline intriguing—it really does have a lot of potential. If I ever decide to dive into writing it, I’ll definitely tag you and pick your brain for ideas!

[the-bjd-community-confess]

In order to be allowed into the DOA marketplace, you must sacrifice a virgin on the full moon in the 13th month of the Skyrim Calendar, feed them a sandwich consisting of vegan Turkey, protein lettuce, and tomatoes the color of snow, douse their head in wine from the 16th century blessed by the holy grail and a drop of blood from someone on both sides of the crusades, and then draw a perfect portrait of Bob Ross in the sand in the middle of a cornfield.

~Anonymous

[magicoldcottage]

The Green Man

The Green Man is a fascinating and enigmatic ancient figure that has appeared in art, architecture, and mythology for centuries. But who is he, and what does he represent?

In this post, I explore the origins, symbolism, and cultural significance of the Green Man, as well as some of the places the image or Motif has been used.

What is the Green Man?

As in the example above, the Green Man is usually depicted as a human face made of foliage. Art historians describe this type of motif as a "foliate head". The Green Man can be found in various forms and styles, ranging from realistic to abstract, from grotesque to serene and despite being called a man the motif is actually gender neutral with examples also in female. There have been examples using animals like satyrs or centaurs but these are normally associated to Dionysus.

Can I use the Motif in my practice?

The motif simply represents, the spirit of nature, the cycle of life, and the connection between humanity and the natural world. As such it is perfect for any path of modern craft as a symbol of our respect. It is not connected to any specific practice and there is no "cultural appropriation" issues to be concerned about.

One of little known sides of this Motif is the connection to luck, either in Wealth or Good health. Strangely the practice saw you simply rubbing his nose in passing.  See link at the end of this post for an example from Crewe Hall.

Does the symbol represent a Deity.

The Green Man is not a single character, and despite what you might have heard, there is little evidence that he was a pagan deity in his own right. Modern druidic practice has recently adopted the motif, but there are no ancient examples in the UK to back this up. Instead, it should simply be seen as a symbol of our connection to nature. Over the generations, he has often associated with other Nature deities such as Dionysus, Osiris, Cernunnos, Frey, Pan, Flora, and Gaia.

image credit ASOR.org

So Where did the Green Man come from?

The earliest known examples of the Green Man date back to the 2nd century CE, when he appeared in the ruins of Hatra, a city in modern Iraq (shown above), and in a mosaic in the Great Palace of Constantinople, in modern Turkey. He also appeared in Romanesque and Gothic architecture across Europe, especially in England and France, where he was carved on churches, cathedrals, castles, and manor houses. He was particularly popular in the 13th to 15th centuries, when he reached the peak of his artistic expression and diversity.

His use on so many churches and cathedrals is thought to be a way of or appeasing the local population of pagans who respected the motif as an aid to converting them to the new religion. As mentioned, the image was seen by the pagans as an incredibly lucky symbol, so adding it to a church could also have been seen as a way to bring good luck to the building.

How is the Green Man portrayed in art?

The Green Man has inspired many artists throughout history and across cultures, who have given him different interpretations and meanings. Some of the most famous and influential examples of the Green Man in art are:

The Bamberg Horseman, a 13th-century sculpture in the Bamberg Cathedral, Germany, that shows a knight on horseback with a foliate head supporting the spire.

The Green Man of Rosslyn Chapel made famous by the DaVinci code, a 15th-century carving in the Scottish chapel, that shows a man with vines emerging from his mouth and wrapping around his head and body.

The Green Man of Notre Dame, a 19th-century restoration of a 13th-century carving in the Paris cathedral, that shows a man with oak leaves and acorns covering his face and hair.

The Green Man of Kilpeck Church, a 12th-century carving in the Herefordshire church, England, that shows a man with a mischievous grin and leaves sprouting from his mouth and eyes.

The Green Man of Sintra, a 16th-century painting in the National Palace of Sintra, Portugal, that shows a man with a crown of leaves and flowers and a green complexion.

The Green Man of Glastonbury, a 20th-century sculpture in the remains of Glastonbury Abbey, England, that shows a man with a serene expression and a wreath of leaves and berries.

What is the significance of the Green Man today?

The Green Man is still a relevant and powerful symbol today, as he represents the values and ideals of environmentalism, ecology, and spirituality. He is a reminder of the beauty and importance of nature and of the need to respect and protect it. He is also a symbol of hope and resilience, as he shows that life can overcome death and that nature can regenerate and heal itself. If you are seeking a power symbol for your Altar you can't do much better than this amazing and power motif to bring you luck.

The Green Man is celebrated and honoured in various festivals, rituals, and events around the world, such as the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Jack in the Green Festival in Hastings, England, the Green Man Festival in Brecon Beacons, Wales, and the Burning Man Festival in Nevada, USA. He is also a popular subject for contemporary artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers, who continue to explore and reinterpret his meaning and message.

While many symbols have lost significance over the generations the power of the Green Man goes from strength to strength. Why not make it a part of your practice too.

Click here for the secret pagans of Crewe Hall

For more of my posts click here

[xxx109bradpittfanxxx109]

I watched Troy over the weekend, loved seeing Brad Pitt as Achilles - what a brilliant casting. AHHHHH 

But there is one thing that bugs me to no end every time I watch the movie, as sexy as it is Brad eats a turkey leg!!!!!! 

In the Mediterranean in 13th century BCE! unbelievable like genuinely crazed. It throws me out of the movie every time because of its sheer incredulity.