17th century, historical figure, Italian, Ottoman, primary source, quotes, Turkey
A detailed account of life in the Ottoman seraglio during the early years of Ahmet I’s reign (r. 1603-17) is given by Ottaviano Bon (1552-1623), the Venetian representative in the years 1604-07. He makes several references to ‘buffoons’, and to...
16th century, historical figure, primary source, quotes, Turkey, Turkish
An interesting example of a king who didn’t want a court full of mutes and dwarfs, and so had them sent away when he ascended the throne. Dwarfs in particular had some overlap with jesters, serving as close companions and providing diversion, even though it...
16th century, 17th century, bibliography, English, Ottoman, research, thesis, Turkey, Turkish
This thesis gives new insights into the Ottoman court during the 16th and 17th centuries, examining the complex roles of mutes and dwarfs, including some differences between them, and some overlaps and differences between them and the archetypal court jester. As an...
