Definition
"Payitaht" is a term used during the Ottoman Empire, meaning "capital" or "the place of the throne." It refers to the seat of government, the capital city, or the administrative center.
Origin
The word originates from the Persian phrase pāy-i taht (پاء تاخت), which translates to "the foot of the throne" or "capital."
The term payitaht is essentially a compound word formed by combining two Persian words: pâ (pay) and taht.
- Pâ(y) – پا: A Persian word meaning "foot."
- Taht – تخت: Refers to the "throne" or the "seat of power," often associated with the place where rulers sit or govern.
Ottoman Capitals
Throughout its history, the Ottoman Empire had different capitals in various cities. The primary Ottoman capitals were:
- Bursa (1326-1365): The first capital of the Ottoman State, conquered during the reign of Orhan Gazi, son of Osman Gazi.
- Edirne (1365-1453): Became the capital after Bursa and played a significant role in the Ottoman expansion into Europe.
- Istanbul (1453-1922): The final and longest-standing capital of the Ottoman Empire, conquered by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. Istanbul became the political, economic, and cultural hub of the empire.
Payitaht of Istanbul
