Every visitor stepping into the domed corridors of the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), located in the heart of Istanbul in the shadow of the New Mosque, instantly finds themselves in a magical symphony of colors, scents, and tastes. Spices piled up like pyramids on the stalls, colorful Turkish delights, and dried fruits give the impression that this place is a paradise of flavors. However, the walls of this bazaar are silent witnesses not only to gastronomic richness but also to an empire’s healing memory. For centuries, the Spice Bazaar was a massive open-air pharmacy where the chief physicians (hekimbaşı) of Topkapi Palace procured their rarest medicines. Medicinal plants and treatment methods in the Ottoman Empire were based on a deep philosophy that combined the wisdom of nature with the art of the physician, treating the body and soul as a whole. This article will follow this green route from the healing stalls of the Spice Bazaar to the palace’s private cellar and unveil the mysterious world of plants that healed the sultans.
The Spice Bazaar: A Spice Market or a Historical Pharmacy?
Throughout history, the Spice Bazaar has been much more than just a spice market; it was the empire’s largest and most important pharmacy. It was the final stop for caravans bringing ginger from India, mint from Egypt, saffron from Iran, and thyme from the mountains of Anatolia. The merchants in the bazaar, called “aktar,” were not merely sellers but also folk healers who spoke the language of plants, knew which herb was a remedy for which ailment, and carried an ancient wisdom passed down from generation to generation. The Spice Bazaar overflowed with medicinal plants; Istanbul residents came here not only to add flavor to their food but also to soothe their coughs, relieve their stomachs, or find remedies for their sleepless nights. The bazaar’s proximity to health institutions like the Darüşşifa (hospital) in Fatih was no coincidence; physicians procured the highest quality herbal medicines for their prescriptions from here.
The Sultan’s Health Protection: The Role and Importance of the Chief Physician in the Ottoman Palace
The Sultan’s health was a matter of state, and this critical duty was entrusted to the Chief Physician (Hekimbaşı), one of the most respected and knowledgeable individuals in the palace. Ottoman chief physicians were not merely doctors who treated diseases but also preventative health advisors tasked with preventing the Sultan from falling ill. These physicians, proficient in the works of Islamic medical scholars like Ibn-i Sina and Razi, were experts in pharmacology (the science of medicine) and botany (the science of plants), in addition to traditional Turkish medicine. One of the Chief Physician’s most important duties was to regulate the Sultan’s diet. Working in close cooperation with the Palace’s Head Chef (Aşçıbaşı), they prepared special menus according to the Sultan’s temperament, seasonal conditions, and health status. The medicinal herbs and spices to be used in these menus were specially selected from the Spice Bazaar and stored in the palace’s Kilâr-ı Has (private cellar) or in special sections that functioned as the palace pharmacy.
Healing from the Bazaar: 5 Key Plants Used by Chief Physicians in Treatments
The range of plants (pharmacopoeia) used by chief physicians was quite extensive. However, some plants held an indispensable place in basic treatment protocols. These plants were used both alone and within complex formulas to protect the health of the sultan and the palace residents.
Calming Power: Melissa and Chamomile
The stress of state affairs, the tension created by palace intrigues, and heavy responsibilities directly affected the sultan’s mental health. Chief physicians frequently used melissa (lemon balm) and chamomile to soothe nerves, alleviate melancholy (depression), and ensure undisturbed sleep. Melissa, known for its citrusy scent, was considered a plant that “refreshes the heart” and “brings peace”. Chamomile, on the other hand, was particularly known for its stomach-soothing and calming effects. These two plants were typically brewed as tea or sherbet and offered to the sultan, helping him to rest mentally and physically.
Digestive System Friends: Mint, Anise, and Fennel
The richness and variety of Ottoman palace cuisine could sometimes lead to digestive problems. The plants most frequently resorted to by chief physicians for such ailments were mint, anise, and fennel. Mint, with its sharp and refreshing scent, was used to suppress nausea and relieve indigestion. Anise and fennel, known for their carminative (gas-relieving) properties, were among the main ingredients of teas or sherbets prepared to alleviate bloating and discomfort experienced especially after heavy meals. These plants directly influenced overall health by regulating the digestive system.
Sources of Energy and Warmth: Ginger, Turmeric, and Galangal
Traditional Turkish medicine was based on the humoral pathology theory inherited from Ibn-i Sina, which relied on the balance of the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile) in the body. According to this theory, diseases arose from an imbalance in the body’s “warmth” and “moisture”. Root spices like ginger, turmeric, and galangal were considered “hot and dry” temperament plants, used to warm the body, accelerate blood circulation, and treat “cold” natured diseases (e.g., common colds, joint pains). Ginger was a powerful anti-inflammatory, while turmeric, the “golden spice,” was known for its blood-purifying and liver-protective properties. This trio was indispensable, especially in energizing pastes and strengthening sherbets prepared during winter months.
Pastes, Sherbets, and Poultices: The Transformation Process of Plants into Remedies
Herbal treatment in the Ottoman Empire was not limited to brewing herbal teas. Chief physicians developed various pharmaceutical forms that most effectively brought out the healing essences within plants and ensured their easy absorption by the body. These formulas were used for everyone, from the public receiving treatment in the Darüşşifa to the sultan.
- Pastes (Macunlar): These were thick consistency mixtures prepared by grinding medicinal plants and spices and mixing them with honey or molasses. Manisa’s famous Mesir Paste is the best-known example of this tradition. Pastes enhanced the effects of the plants, made them more palatable, and allowed them to be stored for a long time without spoiling.
- Sherbets and Syrups (Şerbetler ve Şuruplar): These were liquid medicines obtained by boiling fresh or dried plants with water, straining them, and sweetening them with honey or sugar. They were particularly used to reduce fever, suppress coughs, or soothe the throat.
- Poultices and Ointments (Lapalar ve Merhemler): This method involved crushing plants or mixing them with oils and applying them externally to the skin. Poultices and ointments were frequently used in the treatment of burns, wounds, muscle pains, and skin diseases.
Modern Interpretation of Ancient Wisdom: The Place of Traditional Medicine Today
This healing journey from the Spice Bazaar to the palace cellar demonstrates how deeply and respectfully Ottoman civilization interacted with nature. The chief physicians’ profound knowledge of plants was based on truths that modern science has only recently begun to confirm. Today, the calming effects of chamomile, the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, and the digestive benefits of mint have been proven by countless scientific studies. This ancient wisdom of traditional medicine is finding new life in today’s wellness and natural living trends. The holistic approach of Ottoman physicians, meaning treating the patient, not just the disease, and viewing the body and soul as a whole, continues to inspire modern medicine.
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Tags: Ottoman Medicine, Medicinal Plants, Spice Bazaar, Traditional Treatment, Chief Physician, Herbal Treatment, Darüşşifa, Palace Pharmacy, Ottoman History, Natural Health.
