From 1604 to 1607, Ottaviano Bon resides in Istanbul as a bailo, representative of the Venetian authorities. The very young Sultan Ahmed I is on the throne, and Bon's mission is deemed extremely important both diplomatically and commercially.
During this time, he meticulously documents life in the mythical Topkapi Palace with the insight and sensitivity of an astute observer. Among all the reports from Western diplomats and travelers between 1453 and the end of the 17th century, Bon's account is the most authoritative, as he utilized reliable sources - senior Ottoman officials and members of the ulema, the Islamic religious hierarchy.
Although he never visited the harem - a forbidden area for all men except for the eunuchs - Bon managed to penetrate the strictly private spaces of the palace, where entry was allowed only to the highest officials of the Sultan's court.
In a vivid, captivating narrative filled with impressive details, he records a variety of topics: the luxurious apartments of the sultan, the women, and the pashas in the harem; the audiences of Western ambassadors during official meals; the recruiting of the devshirme, young Christians gathered in Istanbul after the child levy; the viziers, agas, white and black eunuchs; the jesters and mute performers who entertain the sultan; the ceremonies of the Bayram, the great religious festival of Islam.
[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]
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