Quiz for Hürrem: A Habsburg Ambassador’s Perspective

Document Links

Document 15.1 Document 15.2 Document 15.3

Quiz for Hürrem: A Habsburg Ambassador’s Perspective

Question 15.1

1. How did Busbecq explain the Ottoman custom of sultans only having children with their concubines, and never with their wives (see Document 15.1)?

A.
B.
C.
D.

Correct. The answer is a. Busbecq believed that the custom was meant to protect the sultan from humiliation if he was defeated or captured by an enemy. This interpretation was, however, incorrect. The custom was actually meant to prevent elite families from gaining too much influence.
Incorrect. The answer is a. Busbecq believed that the custom was meant to protect the sultan from humiliation if he was defeated or captured by an enemy. This interpretation was, however, incorrect. The custom was actually meant to prevent elite families from gaining too much influence.

Question 15.2

2. How did Busbecq explain the intense rivalry between the sons of Ottoman sultans (see Document 15.1)?

A.
B.
C.
D.

Correct. The answer is c. Since all sons know that only one can survive, each son naturally sees his brothers as enemies.
Incorrect. The answer is c. Since all sons know that only one can survive, each son naturally sees his brothers as enemies.

Question 15.3

3. According to Busbecq (see Document 15.2), Ottoman women

A.
B.
C.
D.

Correct. The answer is d. Ottoman women could divorce their husbands if they were not provided with the necessities of life. They could also initiate a divorce if their husbands engaged in "unnatural behavior."
Incorrect. The answer is d. Ottoman women could divorce their husbands if they were not provided with the necessities of life. They could also initiate a divorce if their husbands engaged in "unnatural behavior."

Question 15.4

4. Busbecq's account of Bajazet's failed conspiracy (see Document 15.3) was likely meant to provide evidence of

A.
B.
C.
D.

Correct. The answer is b. Even when proof had been acquired of Bajazet's intent to seize power, Hürrem was able to convince the sultan to forgive him.
Incorrect. The answer is b. Even when proof had been acquired of Bajazet's intent to seize power, Hürrem was able to convince the sultan to forgive him.