The Cage Within - Children of the Lost Horizon (Hardcover)

This is a true story reflecting the strife, the agony and the pain of the people of Greece among others who lived under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. There has been a lot of speculation and incorrect information surfacing through the ages. The author of this book spared no opportunity of examining numerous sources and spending additional time (seven years worth) in order to bring to light the truth about a very devastating period of the people involved in the making of this part of history without prejudice. In order for the Ottomans to survive in a hostile world in which they were surrounded by adversaries, they had to employ several unorthodox and at times unacceptable practices not only toward their enslaved subjects, but also toward their own people. Called by their European adversaries "the sick man of Europe" due to their unique and mysterious way of life, they managed to elude everyone and flourish under a harsh environment which others could have not possibly survived. One of the hardships bestowed upon their enslaved people was the abduction of their children in order for them to serve the emperor. This story is about a group of these children (one in particular), and the course of the events which led to a horrible tragedy.