Procession of Sultan Süleyman through the Atmeidan from the frieze Ces Moeurs et fachons de faire de Turcz (Customs and Fashions of the Turks) 1553

This 1553 woodcut by Pieter Coecke van Aelst depicts the procession of Sultan Süleyman through the Atmeidan (Hippodrome) in Constantinople. The detailed scene captures the grandeur of the Ottoman court, with a large retinue of officials, soldiers, and courtiers following the Sultan on horseback. This artwork is a part of the series "Ces Moeurs et fachons de faire de Turcz" which aimed to showcase the customs and traditions of the Ottoman Empire for a European audience. It provides a fascinating glimpse into European perceptions of the Ottoman world during the 16th century, a period of intense cultural exchange between the two empires.