Snow and ice supply to the Ottoman Palace

Snow and ice, which are used to cool beverages and keep food intact in the hot days of summer in the Ottoman Empire, are one of the most valuable consumption items of both the palace residents, who had experienced a high quality of life, and the Ottoman society. While snow and ice for usage of cooling in the Ottoman society was provided by the snow wells accumulated by the people with their own means, this need in the summer resorts was met by the sherbet and compote shopkeepers. In the case of providing free cooling water for public, water and ice foundations had come to the fore. The ice-cold waters poured from the fountains built by the foundations in the summer, on the one hand were serving to cool the people, and on the other hand, they were instrumental in receiving the prayers of the people. In addition, snow and ice were distributed free of charge to lodges and lodges, dervish lodges, and Mevlevihanes, which had an important place in Ottoman society. Snow and ice were brought to the Ottoman palace from Katırlı Mountain and its surroundings, especially Keşiş Mountain (Uludağ) and Eyüp. While snow and ice were collected from these places by the Hassa Buzcular Ocağı organization and thousands of assistant employees under the management of Buzcubaşı, more than necessary snow and ice were stored in snow and iceboxes located in the places where snow and ice were collected. The amount required for the palace was brought to the ice room and preserved here. Snow and ice distribution to Topkapı Palace was made to the Sultan, Harem, Enderun, Birûn sections, statesmen, ulema, army and government offices. Especially on important days and nights, sherbets, which are cooled with ice and adorn the palace tables, and sweets served cold, had become indispensable tastes of the palace. In addition to the ice palace tables, it was among the most important needs of the army during the expedition of the summer season. The distrubition of snow and ice was made to Edirne Palace, Saray-ı Atik, Beşiktaş Beach Palace and Çırağan Beach Palace at certain times, as well as Topkapı Palace.