Lexicon to the terms that will be used over the course of the game. Some are literal translations of terms that were used historically, others may have been invented for the purpose of the game.
Abdal : mystic of Islam
Bas Haseki : mother to the Heir of the Sultan. Second highest status of the Harem, after the Valide Sultane
Bey : prince or ruler of an independent province in the Empire
Cariye : lowest rank in the Harem hierarchy
Celali : rebel
Devsirme : practice through which the more promising Christian children were taken from their families and trained to become the elite of the Palace officials
Emlak : land property, domain
Grand Vizier : second in command to the Sultan, head of the government
Gözde : « the noticed one », the leading favorite. While she hasn’t had children yet, she enjoys special favor with the Sultan
Harem : « forbidden », womens’ quarters in the Palace
Haseki Cadin : mother to a daughter of the Sultan
Hasine : treasure
Kahya Bey : Palace official, responsible of the military and under the authority of the Grand Vizier
Kisla Agha : chief Eunuch of the Harem
Osmanli : ottoman
Sultanate : territory ruled by the Sultan. The Sultanate is considered as a political entity, whereas the Califate is the seat of the religious power.
Sultane Haseki Odalik : mother to a son of the Sultan, that can pretend to become heir to the throne.
Tarikat : mystical religious order of the islam
Tuccar : merchant. May be used as an insult
Valide Sultane : mother to the ruling Sultan. She rules the Harem and holds a lot of power there.
Zeamet : military province in the Empire. Morta Siyah is such a territory, even if it is called a “Sultanate”.