Why Were Monkeys Executed in the Ottoman Empire? History’s Strangest Incident

In Ottoman Istanbul, the monkeys, companions to sailors, faced a cleric’s wrath. This tragic event during the reign of Sultan Murad III ended with the execution of all monkeys. So, what was the reason behind this unbelievable massacre? We investigate one of history’s oddest incidents through historical sources.

Sentinels of the Seas: The Role of Monkeys on Ships

Though it seems strange from today’s perspective, in the age when sailing ships ruled the seas, the presence of a monkey on deck was quite common. They were not just pets; they were an important part of the ship’s crew. With incredible agility, they would climb to the top of the main mast, scanning the horizon with their sharp eyes. They were the first to spot an approaching pirate ship or land, saving the sailors’ lives by alerting the deck with their shrieks. In the heart of Istanbul, Galata, within its bustling market where ship supplies were sold, there were even shops that sold these specially trained monkeys. They were the silent heroes of the salty and dangerous life at sea.

The “Monkey-Slayer” Hodja and the Death Warrant

It all began with Abdülkerim Efendi, the hodja (cleric and teacher) of Sultan Murad III, who held great influence over him. According to historian Reşad Ekrem Koçu, Abdülkerim Efendi was “an extremely bigoted, irritable man who did whatever came to his mind and feared no one, relying on his influence over the sultan.” One day, this hot-tempered hodja came across a line in a book he was reading, which claimed that monkeys were “used for immorality and lewdness.”

This statement was enough to instantly ignite the hodja’s already short temper. Losing himself in the effect of what he had read, Abdülkerim Efendi decided these animals no longer had a right to live. They were sinful creatures that needed to be wiped from the face of the earth. He took action, using his influence over the Sultan and his charisma among the public.

A Massacre in the Galata Market

Abdülkerim Efendi marched to the Azapkapısı market in Galata, followed by an angry mob he had gathered. The target was the small shops where monkeys were sold. The shops were raided, and every monkey inside was forcibly dragged out. On that day, the Istanbul sky echoed with the fearful cries of innocent animals who could not comprehend what was happening. All the captured monkeys were brutally executed by being hanged one by one from the nearby trees. The agile and intelligent creatures that once saved the lives of sailors fell victim to a misunderstanding and blind rage.

After recovering from the shock of this unbelievable event, the public gave a bitter nickname to the man responsible for this massacre: “Maymunkeş,” meaning “The Monkey-Slayer.”

Final Thoughts

The execution of monkeys in the Ottoman Empire is an incident in the pages of history that is both absurd and utterly tragic. It is a painful example of how one person’s anger and misinterpretation can lead to a mass slaughter. On that day in Galata, it was not just a group of animals that was sent to the gallows, but also a piece of reason and mercy. This event continues to serve as an unforgettable lesson on how dangerous power and bigotry can be when they combine.

Bibliography

Koçu, Reşad Ekrem. Tarihimizde Garip Vakalar (Strange Incidents in Our History). Doğan Kitap, 2015.