The Sultan and His People

In Short

Published in 1857 by an Armenian insider educated in the United States, this wide-ranging portrait of the Ottoman Empire examines the mechanisms of Turkish governance, religious life, and social customs. Christopher Oscanyan balances historical sketches with firsthand observations, covering everything from the violent suppression of the Janissaries to the daily etiquette of the harem, public baths, and vibrant bazaars. The work endures as an authentic, nuanced bridge between East and West, offering rare native insight into a pivotal empire struggling to modernize while preserving its cultural identity amidst European geopolitical pressure.

The Story

The narrative opens by contrasting the fast-paced development of the Western New World with the deep, reflective traditions of the Ottoman realm. Oscanyan begins his systematic exploration with the origins and spiritual foundations of the Turks. He disabuses Western readers of the notion that Eastern fatalism prevents personal effort; rather, he explains that a deeply held belief in human imperfection drives their reluctance to alter traditional ways.

Moving from theology to the structure of the state, the author traces the administrative power of the Sultan, the fiscal policies of the empire, and the corrupt judicial system where bribery remains rampant and non-Muslim testimony is routinely discounted. A central turning point in this structural history is the bloody annihilation of the Janissaries by Sultan Mahmoud. Long a fanatic, rebellious military caste that blocked all progress, their destruction paved the way for sweeping administrative and cultural reforms.

Oscanyan then turns his focus inward to domestic and daily existence. He opens the doors of the harem, dispelling sensationalized Western fantasies by explaining its real social function, domestic hierarchy, and rigid rules of decorum. Through detailed descriptions of the tandur (a heated table gathering spot), traditional costumes, smoking habits, and the relaxing ritual of the hamam (Turkish bath), he illustrates how innate refinement and warm hospitality shape daily interactions.

The narrative broadens to analyze the diverse populations comprising the empire. Oscanyan highlights the vital role of the non-Muslim rayas, particularly the industrious Armenians who manage the empire's commerce, banking, and trade, alongside the Greek and Jewish communities. He contrasts these native groups with the European enclave of Pera, where foreign diplomats and merchants reside.

Finally, the book addresses the political crisis of the mid-nineteenth century. Oscanyan outlines the proclamation of the Imperial Edict of Gül-hané in 1839, intended to guarantee rights and overhaul public administration. Though traditionalists repeatedly attempt to stall these liberal measures, the author concludes that return to the old ways is impossible. The empire must either embrace progressive life under the light of civilization or perish under external despotism.

How It Unfolds

The foundations of faith The author outlines the historical origins of the Turks and deconstructs their religious worldview. He clarifies that Moslem resignation to divine will does not prevent action, but rather reflects a humble refusal to claim human perfection.

The downfall of the old guard Oscanyan details the rise and tyrannical overreach of the Janissaries, who levied arbitrary taxes and terrorized citizens. He praises Sultan Mahmoud for executing the daring coup that utterly eradicated this reactionary military order.

Inside the domestic sphere The focus shifts to daily life, comparing Western and Eastern notions of modesty and social etiquette. The author describes the inner workings of the harem, the influence of the Haznadar-Ousta (mother of the maids), and the communal warmth of the tandur.

The art of the bath and bazaar Exploring civic spaces, Oscanyan details the sensory experiences of the kahvés and hamams. He lightheartedly contrasts the genuine, invigorating cleansing process of the Turkish bath with the crude misconceptions held by European visitors.

The engine of commerce The narrative examines the Christian subjects, placing heavy emphasis on the Armenians who drive the nation's financial and industrial systems. Oscanyan warns that foreign powers like Russia actively manipulate these minorities to weaken Ottoman sovereignty.

The crossroads of reform The book culminates with the public reading of the reform edict at Gül-hané. Oscanyan assesses the clash between old-guard traditionalists and modernizers, ultimately expressing hope for the empire's peaceful regeneration.

The People

Sultan Mahmoud The visionary, resolute monarch who recognized that the empire could not survive without sweeping modernization. He fearlessly destroyed the entrenched Janissary corps and forced a change in national attire to break the hold of dark superstitions.

The Janissaries A fanatic, highly privileged military brotherhood that degraded from elite defenders into oppressive extortionists. They blocked all national progress, routinely threatened citizens, and caused foreign conflicts until their complete annihilation by the crown.

The Sultan (Abdulmedjid I) The reigning sovereign, residing in the palace of Tchiraghan on the Bosphorus. Accessible primarily through his chamberlains and private secretaries, he balances traditional royal isolation with the heavy expectations of modernizing his government.

The Haznadar-Ousta The elevated "mother of the maids" and keeper of the royal treasures. Having typically nursed the head of the house in his infancy, she maintains strict discipline among the women of the harem while wielding significant domestic authority.

The Armenians The principal non-Muslim subject group (rayas) who form the industrial and financial backbone of Turkey. Serving as bankers, merchants, and trade experts, their deep economic integration makes them completely indispensable to the ruling Osmanlis.

In Its Own Voice

"Mutability is the appropriate motto of humanity; for what are men but creatures of a day; monarchs, but transient shadows of earthly greatness; empires, but passing events?"

Oscanyan opens his work with a philosophical reflection on the fleeting nature of human achievements and the rise and fall of great civilizations.

"The only qualification requisite for a witness to appear before these courts of justice, is to be omniscient, and never to utter the fatal word Bilmem, I don't know."

In describing the corrupt judicial system, the author highlights the absurd, trap-filled cross-examinations used by judges to disqualify testimony.

"Rather than a father the size of a mountain, / Give me a mother, small as a thimble."

Oscanyan cites this traditional proverb to demonstrate the deep, unyielding respect Ottoman children maintain for their mothers, even within the strict hierarchies of the royal household.

What It's Really About

Underneath its rich descriptive travelogue and social inventory, the book is a passionate argument for cultural nuance and self-determined modernization. Oscanyan directly confronts European Orientalist prejudices, demonstrating that Western critics frequently misinterpret Eastern customs—such as fatalism, domestic arrangements, or modesty—due to their own narrow cultural lens.

At the same time, the author does not spare the empire's genuine structural flaws. He uncovers systemic administrative corruption, judicial inequality, and religious fanaticism. Ultimately, the work asserts that the Ottoman Empire possesses the intrinsic refinement and economic vitality needed to thrive, provided it can successfully integrate modern reforms without falling prey to the expansionist ambitions of European powers.

Why Read It Today

The Sultan and His People is a compelling read for history enthusiasts, travel literature lovers, and anyone seeking an authentic insider's view of the nineteenth-century Ottoman world. Oscanyan writes with an engaging, highly observant voice that seamlessly bridges the gap between an Eastern upbringing and a Western literary style. Readers will take away a vastly enriched understanding of Istanbul's historic social fabric, far removed from the sensationalized myths popular in mid-Victorian literature.

The book is not without its period difficulties. Modern readers will encounter mid-nineteenth-century racial and religious categorizations, alongside occasional dense digressions into historical lineage or religious polemics. The prose reflects the formal, expansive prose style of its era. Nevertheless, Oscanyan's sharp wit—evident in his humorous anecdotes about bathhouses, courtrooms, and diplomatic encounters—keeps the narrative lively and accessible throughout.

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