Geography
Due to the sheer size and expanse of the Ottoman Empire, its geography is diverse. The Turks are able to conduct business on a number of seas and rivers.
There are lush and fertile valleys that are great for grazing and farming. There are also very arid and sparsely populated tracts of land that are occupied by small nomadic tribes.
Economy/Industry
The Ottoman Empire relies on many caravans to transport goods from individuals to market. There are some merchants wealthy enough to own their own trade ships. Most of these trade ships rely on the protection of foreign governments to ensure their safe passage.
The Ottoman Empire offers a wide variety of goods for export. These items include, but are not limited to: gems, furs, metals, silk, slaves, spices, sugar, wheat. The Ottoman Empire prefers to allow a free trade economy taxing the sale of goods opposed to maintaining full ownership of all lands and productions.
Entertainment
Sports are of great interest to the Turks. They favor such activities as wrestling, swimming, and horseback riding. In additional to physically laboring activities, there is a great emphasis put on language and poetry. Many of the wealthy elite in the empire are also trained instrumentalists and take great pride in being able to perform folk music on one of a variety of instruments. Shadow plays featuring puppets are also a treat that most Turks enjoy viewing as well.
Government
The Sultan is the highest ranking official in the Ottoman Empire. Unlike the Holy Roman Empire, the ruler of the Ottoman Empire appoints top church officials. The Sultan’s role is to expand and protect the members of the Muslim faith that reside within its borders.
The Grand Vizier is appointed by the Sultan and oversees most affairs of the State on behalf of the Sultan. The Grand Vizier acts quite independently of the Vizier.
Who’s Who
- Veli Kader- Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
- Runa Zenana– Sultana of the Ottoman Empire
- Sancar Garip– Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire
- Volkan Feryat– Personal guard to Veli Kader and Runa Zenana
- Levant Feryat– Guard to Matei Savasci
- Vannozzo Scorrazzare– Merchant/Trader
- Matei Savasci– Merchant/Trader
- Levant Feryat– Guard to Matei Savasci
- Mercede Cuoco– Cardinal and Emissary of the Holy See
- Boran Daimsa– Former Sultan; deceased
- Yildiz Daimsa– Boran’s daughter; princess; deceased