# The Ottoman Empire's Deaf Court: Sign Language in the Topkapı Palace

An episode of [The Ottoman Empire: How It Ruled Three Continents for 600 Years — Fexingo History](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1895336292), 8 Aug 2026, 6:48.

Audio: https://audio.fexingo.com/history/the-ottoman-empire/episode-0197.mp3

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of the Ottoman deaf-mute courtiers, the dilsiz, who served in the Topkapı Palace for centuries. From the conquest of Constantinople to the 20th century, these silent servants held intimate roles: guarding the sultan, executing secret orders, and even overseeing the royal harem. We meet famous dilsiz like Hüseyin Ağa, who represented the empire on diplomatic missions, and learn how sign language was a sophisticated tool of statecraft, used for secrecy and ceremony alike. We also trace the evolution of Ottoman sign language, which influenced modern Turkish Sign Language, and compare it to other court sign languages such as the one at the Byzantine court. Through the lens of these silent figures, we see a different side of Ottoman power—one where silence was not absence but a form of control. Join us as we uncover this hidden chapter of imperial history. #OttomanEmpire #Dilsiz #SignLanguage #TopkapıPalace #DeafHistory #HüseyinAğa #OttomanCourt #Sultan #Harem #TurkishSignLanguage #Byzantine #Constantinople #Secrecy #Diplomacy #History #FexingoHistory #MiddleEast #OttomanCulture Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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