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.

This collection explores the ancient fountains of Byzantium, Constantinople and Istanbul, reviving the senses of past water cultures.

Sheikh Najib blasted into Rosalind Lewis’s life and staked a sultan’s claim on her son! Her denial of the boy’s royal lineage was met with deaf ears—and relentless kisses. When danger threatened, mother and child were whisked into Najib’s exotic world, a faraway place where protection meant marriage. But with every night in the arms of her sheikh “husband,” Rosalind’s secret threatened to surface. Would the truth bring a bitter end—or a heartfelt vow?

"Sultan Mehmed II: The 21-year-old who brought an end to the Roman Empire" is an authoritative and compelling biography that delves into the life, triumphs, and enduring legacy of Mehmed II, a visionary leader whose strategic brilliance reshaped the course of history. Authored with meticulous research and a keen eye for historical context, this book navigates through the captivating narrative of Mehmed II's life, from the period preceding his birth to his ascent as a formidable ruler of the Ottoman Empire. The narrative unfolds in a rich tapestry, weaving together the geopolitical landscape of the time, Mehmed II's early years, and the remarkable series of events that propelled him to the throne at the tender age of 21. Born in 1432, Mehmed II's childhood and formative years are explored in vivid detail, offering readers a glimpse into the makings of a leader who would go on to achieve unprecedented feats. Mehmed II's reign is characterized by his exceptional intelligence, strategic acumen, and unyielding ambition. The book meticulously explores his military campaigns, highlighting his tactical brilliance and audacious conquests that transformed the Ottoman Empire into a superpower. A true visionary, Mehmed II's leadership was marked by his unwavering commitment to fulfilling Prophet Muhammad's prophecy regarding the conquest of Constantinople. The narrative skillfully captures Mehmed II's audacious conquest of Constantinople in 1453, an event that not only brought an end to the Byzantine Empire but also fulfilled a centuries-old prophecy. Conquering the city at the age of 21, Mehmed II demonstrated not only military prowess but also a deep understanding of siege tactics, solidifying his place in history as a conqueror of unparalleled distinction. This book is a tribute to Mehmed II's enduring legacy, exploring how his leadership style, ambition, and strategic mindset continue to inspire millions around the globe. The author paints a comprehensive portrait of a leader whose vision and determination turned the Ottoman Empire into a superpower, leaving an indelible mark on world history. "Sultan Mehmed II: The 21-year-old Who Brought an End to the Roman Empire" is an immersive journey into the life of a remarkable ruler whose impact reverberates through the corridors of time.

Despite the recent overthrowing of the tyrannical sultan, the reign of the new sultan, Baltor Elysian, may soon be over. After all, Baltor has simultaneously inherited throngs of powerful enemies, both foreign and domestic, who wish to command-and-conquer the tattered Sharia Empire. The first-of-many imposing threats is the massive army that has been traveling, by land and sea, for the Empire's Capital City named Pavelus--now only a handful of weeks away from their destination. This bloodthirsty army outnumbers Baltor's forces three-to-one, possessing more than one hundred and twenty thousand elite soldiers. They are led by none other than the younger brother of the previous sultan, who wants his property back no matter the costs--Emperor-Sedious Vaspan the Terrible. Will Baltor be able to strategically unite-and-train his horribly outnumbered people and eliminate every last enemy--including those chaotic-evil denizens who can magically teleport from other words or dimensions like Hell?? Read the sequel in this Epic Fantasy Trilogy to find out not only this "mysterious answer"...yet many, many more!