Ottoman Empire struggle

• Who was King Ferdinand of Hungary and Bohemia negotiating with regarding a border dispute?

  Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent
• What was Ghislain de Busbeeg concerned about in his observations of the Ottoman state?


  He was concerned about the prospects of Christian Europe in the event of conflict with the Ottoman realm.
• What does the Sultan take with him on a campaign?

  • Up to 40,000 camels
  • Almost as many baggage-mules
  • Supplies including cereals, tents, arms, and warlike machines
• Why do the Sultan's troops avoid touching their supplies while marching against foes?

  They reserve supplies for their return journey when they may need them.
• What do the Janissaries receive during the campaign?

  They receive just enough food to sustain life, weighed out each day.
• What do most soldiers do to prepare for potential food shortages during campaigns?

  They take a horse loaded with necessities, including food and shelter items.
• What are the typical provisions soldiers carry with them on campaigns?

  • A small piece of canvas for a tent
  • Clothing and bedding
  • Leather sacks of flour
  • A small jar of butter
  • Spices and salt
• How do soldiers prepare their food when reduced to hunger?

  They mix flour with water, butter, salt, and spices, then cook it.
• How long can soldiers survive on short rations during campaigns?

  They can survive for a month or even longer if necessary.
• How do the Turks differ from European soldiers in terms of their campaign behavior?

  • Turks show patience, sobriety, and economy.
  • European soldiers expect elaborate meals and can mutiny if not satisfied.
• What concerns does Ghislain express about the future of the two armies?

  He fears one army must prevail while the other is destroyed due to their contrasting systems.
• What are the strengths of the Turkish army compared to the European army according to Ghislain?

  Strengths of the Turkish army:

  • Resources of a mighty empire
  • Experience and practice in fighting
  • Veteran soldiery
  • Endurance of toil
  • Unity, order, discipline, frugality, and watchfulness
• What are the weaknesses of the European army compared to the Turkish army?

  Weaknesses of the European army:

  • Public poverty and private luxury
  • Impaired strength and spirit
  • Lack of endurance and training
  • Insubordination and avarice among officers
  • Contempt for discipline and prevalence of debauchery
• What does Ghislain imply about the outcome of a conflict between the two armies?

  He implies that the Turkish army, accustomed to victory, is likely to prevail over the European army.
• Who was Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq?

  A diplomat representing Hapsburg Austria
• In what year did Busbecq travel to Istanbul?

  1555
• What was the purpose of Busbecq's visit to Istanbul?


  To negotiate a border dispute
• Who was the King of Hungary and Bohemia during Busbecq's mission?

  King Ferdinand
• Who was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire at the time of Busbecq's visit?

  Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent
• What did Busbecq express concern about in his letters?

  The prospects of Christian Europe in conflict with the Ottoman realm
• What were the main topics Busbecq commented on in his letters?

  • The Ottoman state
  • Society and customs
  • Military forces
• How many camels did the Sultan take on his campaign?

  As many as 40,000 camels
• What were the camels and mules primarily loaded with when heading to Persia?

  Corals of every kind, especially rice
• Why do the soldiers avoid using their supplies while marching against foes?

  To reserve them for the return journey
• What do the Janissaries receive from the Sultan's provisions during the campaign?

  Just enough food to sustain life
• What do soldiers typically carry for their own food during campaigns?

  Food supplies like flour, butter, and spices
• How do soldiers prepare their food when in the field?

  By mixing flour with water and butter, then cooking it
• How long can soldiers survive on short rations according to Busbecq?

  For a month or even longer
• How do the Turks and European soldiers differ in their approach to food during campaigns?

  • Turks show patience, sobriety, and economy
  • European soldiers expect elaborate meals and can mutiny if unsatisfied
• What does Busbecq fear about the future of Christian Europe compared to the Ottoman Empire?

  That one army must prevail and the other be destroyed
• What advantages does the Ottoman army have over the European army according to Busbecq?

  • Resources of a mighty empire
  • Strength and experience in fighting
  • Veteran soldiery and endurance
  • Unity, order, discipline, and watchfulness
• What weaknesses does the European army face according to Busbecq?

  • Public poverty and private luxury
  • Impaired strength and lack of endurance
  • Insurbordination and avaricious officers
  • Contempt for discipline and prevalence of debauchery
• What does Busbecq imply about the outcome of a conflict between the two armies?

  That the enemy is accustomed to victory while Europeans are accustomed to defeat
• Who was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire during its zenith from 1520 to 1566 CE?

  Sultan Süleyman "The Lawgiver"
• What was the role of Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq in relation to Sultan Süleyman?


  He was the ambassador from Austria to Süleyman's court.
• What years did Busbecq serve as ambassador at Süleyman's court?

  1554-1562
• What was the purpose of Busbecq's mission to Süleyman's court?

  To prevent another possible attack on Vienna.
• What insights do Busbecq's letters provide about the Ottoman Empire?

  They reveal much about Süleyman, his court, Islamic traditions, and treatment of women.
• How do the Turks view the modesty of their wives according to Busbecq?

  They are very careful about it and keep them shut up at home.
• How are women covered when they go into the streets?

  They are covered and wrapped up in veils.