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History
History
The Ottoman Empire was formed in late 13th Century in Anatolia by Osman I, and over the course of the next few centuries was able to conquer and absorb most of South-East Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa; making it one of the largest and mightiest empires in the world.
The Ottoman Empire was formed in late 13th Century in Anatolia by Osman I, and over the course of the next few centuries was able to conquer and absorb most of South-East Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa; making it one of the largest and mightiest empires in the world.
One reason for the success of the Ottoman forces was the establishment of the highly disciplined troops called yeñiçeri ("Yeh-knee-chery"), or Janissary in English. But Ottoman Turkey was known for more than just its fierce warriors. As its borders expanded, it brought in a range of new influences in poetry, music, dance, and food. Perhaps most famous of these are coffee, and Turkish delight (lokum).
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Image by Adrian Bell of AB Photography
Food
Food
Like many nations, Turkish culture encourages a communal eating table with all members of the group sitting together. The shared meal and experience is seen as a means to bring a group together in unity and to show a mutual respect to each other. This was perhaps even more so in the ranks of the Janissaries, where the central cooking pot was seen as the regiment's heart or morale, so much so that a stylised version was often used in the iconography of each unit, and to overturn the pot was seen as an open sign of rebellion.
The Jannissary Barracks uses authentic 12th Century style cooking techniques to prepare and serve food to all members of the encampment, and offers instruction and teaching to those who wish to learn.
Drink
Drink
The heart desires neither coffee or a coffeehouse. The heart desires a companion, coffee is but the excuse. - Turkish expression
Perhaps the most renowned beverage is famous 'Turkish coffee' (Türk kahvesi), which refers to a means of preparation in which roasted coffee beans are ground to a very fine powder and left in the drink when served. To further enhance the brew, the coffee is boiled in a copper jug (cezve) over open flame, and if not served immediately, intentionally cooled and reheated several times until the desired flavour is reached. Both tea and coffee are staple drinks of contemporary Turkey, but coffee was introduced to the region first - in the 16th century.
Traditionally, as a mark of respect to their elders, children were not to drink coffee with adults. Though this was likely more to do with keeping young ears away from the adult's private conversations!
Image by Adrian Bell of AB Photography
Title image courtesty of Chamboz and Creative Commons
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