Quiz for Document Project 17: Hürrem: An Ottoman Sultana as Seen Through the Eyes of a Habsburg Ambassador

1. Question

   How did Busbecq explain the Ottoman custom of sultans only having children with their concubines and never with their wives (see Document 17.1)?

   A.

   The custom was meant to protect the sultan from additional humiliation if he was defeated by an enemy and captured.

   B.

   The custom was meant to prevent elite families from gaining too much influence.

   C.

   The custom was meant to protect the purity of the sultan’s wives.

   D.

   The custom was meant to set the sultan apart from all other men.

   Correct: The answer is a. Busbecq’s interpretation was, however, incorrect. The custom was actually meant to prevent elite families from gaining too much influence.

   Incorrect: The answer is a. Busbecq’s interpretation was, however, incorrect. The custom was actually meant to prevent elite families from gaining too much influence.

   How did Busbecq explain the Ottoman custom of sultans only having children with their concubines and never with their wives (see Document 17.1)?

2. Question

   How did Busbecq explain the intense rivalry between the sons of Ottoman sultans (see Document 17.1)?

   A.

   The sultan’s successor was always the son who had shown the greatest military ability.

   B.

   Ottoman custom dictated that competition was the best form of training and education.

   C.

   As soon as one son succeeds his father, the rest are inevitably put to death.

   D.

   Islam taught that sons should compete for their father’s favor.

   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.

   How did Busbecq explain the intense rivalry between the sons of Ottoman sultans (see Document 17.1)?

3. Question

   According to Busbecq, Ottoman women (see Document 17.2)

   A.

   could never initiate a divorce.

   B.

   could initiate a divorce without citing any specific cause.

   C.

   could initiate a divorce if their husbands took a second wife.

   D.

   could initiate a divorce if their husbands failed to provide them with the necessities of life.

   Correct: The answer is d. They could also initiate a divorce if their husbands engaged in “unnatural behavior.”

   Incorrect: The answer is d. They could also initiate a divorce if their husbands engaged in “unnatural behavior.”

   According to Busbecq, Ottoman women (see Document 17.2)

4. Question

   Busbecq’s account of Bajazet’s failed conspiracy was likely meant to provide evidence of (see Document 17.3)

   A.

   the wickedness of Islam.

   B.

   Hürrem’s powerful influence over the sultan.

   C.

   the decadence of Ottoman society.

   D.

   the immorality of Ottoman women.

   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.

   Busbecq’s account of Bajazet’s failed conspiracy was likely meant to provide evidence of (see Document 17.3)