The Sultan S Fountain

The small sabil-kuttab (a charitable foundation particular to Cairo that combines a public water dispensary with a Quranic school) built in 1760 opposite the venerated Sayyida Zeinab Mosque is almost unique in Cairo: it is one of only two dedicated by a reigning Ottoman sultan, and--astonishingly--it is decorated inside with blue-and-white tiles from Amsterdam depicting happy scenes from the Dutch countryside. Why did the sultan, Mustafa III, cloistered in his Istanbul palace, decide to build a sabil in Cairo? Why did he choose this site for it? How did it come to be adorned with Dutch tiles? What were the connections between Cairo, Istanbul, and Amsterdam in the middle of the eighteenth century? The authors answer these questions and many more in this entertaining and beautifully illustrated history of an extraordinary building, describing also the recent conservation efforts to preserve it for posterity.

The Ottomans, who patronaged the muslim and non-muslim nations from Indonesia to Spain, from the Crimea to Yemeni always pursued justice and brought it to the lands they conquered, as well as development and civilization without any language, religion and race discrimination. Only the Ottomans was bestowed with establishing a government ruled by 36 sultans, lasted for 622 years uninterrupted in the history of the world. The Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, from Osman Ghazi to Vahdettin Khan who ascended the throne had done important works as much as possible to keep the state on its feet, for the public welfare and content. Today, as the archives are opened and new documents are emerged, many secrets about the sultans and their periods come out.

The book itself is intensely interesting both in its historical account and its description of these three great cities and is profusely illustrated with most beautiful pictures and drawings of the famous places in them. The difference of "atmosphere” of Cairo and Jerusalem which, though both so distinctly Eastern, are yet in many ways so unlike, is wonderfully conveyed. The pictures in this book make you long to go there and, indeed, this delightful volume must give almost equal pleasure to those who have been in the places and those who have not, for it seems to take back those who have been there and it brings the scenes and places to those who have never actually seen them.

Walk in the footsteps of emperors and sultans, marvel at some of the greatest monuments on earth, and experience the wonders of East and West with Rick Steves! Inside Rick Steves Istanbul you'll find: Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Istanbul Top sights and hidden gems, from the world's largest domed churches and monumental mosques to relaxing Turkish baths How to connect with local culture: Haggle with merchants in the lively Grand Bazaar, shop along sophisticated avenues, and watch whirling dervishes in action Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps The best places to eat, sleep, and relax Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and incredible museums Detailed neighborhood maps for exploring on the go Strategic advice from trusted Rick Steves Europe tour guides Lale and Tankut Aran on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of their must-see favorites Useful resources including a packing list, a Turkish phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading Updated to reflect changes that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic up to the date of publication Over 400 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Istanbul's neighborhoods, plus a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Istanbul.

A history and contemporary cultural commentary by author and traveler Clement. The history includes extensive quotations from other sources, which Clement wove together with her own observations and romantic commentary. After recounting the history of the city from 324 to 1895, Clement includes descriptions of St. Sophia, the antiquities of the city, shops and bazaars, the habits of Turkish ladies (probably upper- and middle-class women), funeral customs, birth, circumcision, marriage customs, "superstitions" and other Islam-specific cultural practices, and finally a chapter on contemporary education.