Gifts of Food in Ottoman Culture

Authors : Priscilla Mary IŞIN

Pages : 19-28

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Publication Date : 2020-07-23

Article Type : Other Papers

Abstract :Presenting food as gifts, particularly fresh fruit and confectionery, was widespread at all levels of Ottoman society on diverse occasions. Unlike expensive gifts such as silverware, jewelled objects and kaftans made of rich fabrics presented on state occasions such as royal circumcision celebrations, gifts of food were not indicators of wealth and power. They were often, although not invariably, home-grown or homemade, so had the advantage of putting the poorest giver on an equal footing with the richest and avoiding the taint of ostentation that would detract from the giver’s sincerity.
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