The name Ottoman is derived from Osman I (also known as Osman Bey), son of Ertuğrul Gazi, who declared the independence of the Ottoman state in 1299.
The emperor of the Ottoman Empire known as the Sultan had a tradition of passing the throne and wealth to his eldest son. Therefore, many of the remaining children of the Ottoman emperor caused conflicts, political changes … to seize the throne. Scenes of fraternal rivalry over the throne were common in the Ottoman Empire. After ascending the throne, the new Sultan would imprison all his brothers. After the Sultan has a son – the heir to the throne will kill all the other brothers.
When a sultan of the Ottoman Empire suddenly died, sometimes the prince – heir to the throne was arrested and imprisoned right in the Topkapi palace in Istanbul. That special place of detention is called a kafes (cage). Accordingly, the Ottoman prince could be imprisoned for life in the kafe, subject to close supervision, and a new king ascended the throne.
Despite being the head of the country, the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire also felt suffocated and frustrated in the splendid Topkapi palace. Because, they can’t talk too much because doing so is considered impolite. Therefore, most of the time of the Sultans is quiet, chilling silence.
The Ottomans also carried out many executions to deter others. Accordingly, the executioner will behead the prisoner inside the Topkapi palace and there is a separate fountain for the executioner to wash his hands after execution.
Although the Sultan is known as the head of the Ottoman Empire, it is in fact the prime minister who has the most power. The prime minister is the person who makes the decision to execute or arrest anyone.
The scariest place in Topkapi Palace is the harem of the Ottoman emperor. Accordingly, the harem of about 2,000 women was offered, captured or bought to be the king’s wife or concubine. In the harem, the women fight and compete for the king’s favor.
Janissaries were specially trained Ottoman Empire infantry units. This force often carries out tactical missions to penetrate deep into the enemy’s formation. The Janissary forces made an important contribution to the successful conquests of the Ottoman Empire.