SCHWEIGGER, Salomon
Salomon Schweigger (1551-1622) was a German Lutheran theologist and diplomat, son of a noble notary. He studied Classics at the University of Tübingen and was appointed chaplain to the Habsburg Embassy in Istanbul, headed by ambassador Joachim von Sintzendorff. Schweigger started out on his voyage from Vienna in 1577. He was member of a diplomatic mission sent by Emperor Rudolph II to Sultan Murad III. He travelled to Istanbul through Southeastern Europe by land. Schweigger stayed in the city until 1581 and then travelled to Egypt, Palestine and Syria. On his return trip, Schweigger sailed from Crete to Venice and later reached Tübingen. He remained a member of the clergy, served in various cities and died in Nuremberg.
He corresponded frequently with humanist Martinus Crusius, who published their letters in 1582. A manuscript album by Schweigger, mentioning various eminent personalities from the entourage of the Patriarchy, whom he had met while in Istanbul, is kept at the Library of Tübingen. Schweigger was the first to translate the Quran into German, in 1616. For his translation he used the Italian version, which in its turn was based on the Latin one. The chronicle of his voyage was published in 1608. Both the wood engravings and his text testify to the author’s insightful outlook on life, institutions and society in the Ottoman empire.
Written by Ioli Vingopoulou
SCHWEIGGER, Salomon - Edirne / Adrianople
SCHWEIGGER, Salomon - Rest Images
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The pillar of Pompey at the conjunction of the Bosporus and the Black Sea.
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The Sultan's personal garden at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.
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Portraits of the Byzantine Ktitors (sponsors) of Pammakaristos Church (today Fethiye Mosque).
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The Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul at Pammakaristos Church (today Fethiye Mosque).
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The Ottoman Sultan giving audience to the German diplomats of the 1578 mission.
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The residence of the German diplomatic mission to Istanbul in 1578.
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The reception of the German diplomatic mission in Istanbul (1578).
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Peasant woman from Bulgaria with nose piercing that attracted the author's attention.
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The German diplomatic Mission sets off to Istanbul accompanied by a group of Janissaries.
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The ships which took the German diplomatic mission to Istanbul in 1578.
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The Sultan rides to the mosque escorted by his guards and other Ottoman officials.
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Α. Greek woman in domestic outfit and Greek girl with covered face. Β. Greek lady on the street.
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The Aedicule in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
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The Aedicule in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
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Certificate given to Salomon Schweigger by the abbot of the Franciscan monks in Jerusalem.
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The arrival of the German diplomatic mission to Istanbul (1578).
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Ottoman man enjoying his massage at a public bath (hamam) in Istanbul.
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The tomb of Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos at Pammakaristos Church (today Fethiye Mosque).
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Α. Sipahi, member of the Ottoman cavalry. Β. Kazasker, chief jidge.
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The prison cells of Christian captives, probably at Yedikule fortress (Heptapyrgion) in Istanbul.
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A. Archer in the service of the Sultan (Solak). B. Devshirme child. C. Servant of the Sultan.
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