DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Unique habits of Ottoman Sultans revealed: One could hunt for 20 hours

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Ottoman Empire's sultans possessed unique personal habits and skills beyond their historical achievements in conquest and politics.
  • Many sultans were encouraged to master an art form, with notable examples in music, calligraphy, literature, and sculpture.
  • Sultan Mehmed IV was particularly known for his exceptional physical strength, capable of hunting for 20 hours straight without fatigue.

Beyond their renowned conquests and political leadership, the sultans of the Ottoman Empire led personal lives filled with distinct habits and diverse interests. While history often focuses on their grand achievements, each ruler possessed a unique personality, setting them apart from their predecessors and successors.

Ottoman tradition encouraged every ruler to cultivate at least one artistic discipline. Consequently, many sultans dedicated significant attention to the arts, excelling in music, calligraphy, and literature, particularly poetry. Sultan Abdul Hamid stands out as a particularly talented artist in the field of sculpture, showcasing the rulers' multifaceted talents.

A review by the Turkish newspaper Sabah highlighted several unique habits characteristic of certain Ottoman sultans. Among them was Sultan Mehmed IV, who was distinguished by his remarkable physical prowess. Accounts recount his ability to remain on horseback for 20 hours during a hunting expedition, exhibiting no signs of exhaustion.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog