GUER, [Jean Antoine]. Moeurs et Usages des Turcs, leur Religion, leur Gouvernement Civil, Militaire, et Politique..., Ouvrage enrichie de Figures, en tailles Douces, vols Ι-ΙΙ, Paris, chez Coustelier, 1746-1747.
Jean Antoine Guer never travelled to the East himself. He composed this work by borrowing texts, information and occasionally illustrations from editions by P. Belon, J.J. Grelot, O.G. Busbecq, P. Ricaut, Maillet, J. Pitton de Tournefort, J. Tavernier, J. Thévenot and others. In the first part of his book he provides a concise history of the Turks and the Ottoman Sultans. The text continues with chapters on the administration and the institutions, the army, the palace, politics, religion and ceremonies, the national character, dress, dietary habits, houses, women, customs and traditions in the Ottoman Empire. Guer does not expand on matters concerning minorities, such as Christians or Arabs, and limits himself to the Ottomans. At the end of the first volume is a table of European sovereigns of the time. This edition became famed for the impressive illustrations that accompany the text.
Written by Ioli Vingopoulou
Subjects (52)
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Frontispiece: Author's dedication to Louis de Machault d'Arnouville, archbishop of Amiens.
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Imaginary representation: An official is asking a favor from the Sultan.
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Sultan Mehmet II decides upon the execution of his wife Irene.
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Ottoman official, perhaps the Sultan himself, marches to the mosque.
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Frontispiece of the second volume of the book: The Sultan's enthronement.
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Bostancıbaşı, head gardener and executioner, in ceremonial dress.
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Soldiers about to strangle a captive (probably Prince Osman II).
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