From dusk to dawn, the unusual donanma for the birth of the sultan’s daughter in 1761

Giuseppe Pio Cascavilla

doi:10.25365/adv.2021.2.6181

Authors

Giuseppe Pio Cascavilla British Museum

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25365/adv.2021.2.6181

Keywords:

Ottoman Empire, Imperial births, Public celebrations, Pietro Cingria, Mustafa III

Abstract

The birth of children within ruling dynasties held great significance, symbolizing the continuity of power and lineage. This was especially true in the Ottoman Empire, where such events were occasions of extensive public celebration known as "donanma." Through reports by Pietro Cingria, a Ragusan diplomat in Istanbul, the public celebrations for the birth of an imperial offspring, particularly in 1761 during the reign of Mustafa III, are examined. Despite previous decades of no imperial births, the arrival of a princess sparked lavish festivities. The anticipation of the child's gender determined the scale of the celebrations, showcasing the elite's loyalty to the ruling dynasty. This study explores the cultural and political significance of these celebrations within the Ottoman Empire, shedding light on their importance for various social classes and foreign observers.

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