The Gerit A Dangerous Sport on Horseback

One of the most popular sports among the Ottoman court pages was the Gerit, also known as Dart throwing on horseback. This activity was not only a form of entertainment but also a way to show skill, strength, and courage. The sport involved throwing a wooden dart while riding at full speed. Because the reigning Grand Signior (the Sultan) greatly enjoyed this sport, many young men practiced it intensely, hoping to gain his attention and earn promotion.

Each participant tried to surpass the others. As a result, most of them became extremely skilled. They could throw a dart more than three quarters of a yard long with such force that, if it struck a person, it could easily break a bone. This shows how dangerous the game truly was.

Daily Exercises in the Sultan’s Presence

Almost every day, the Sultan spent his time watching his pages practice this sport. These exercises often turned violent. It was common for one rider to knock another off his horse, and hardly a day passed without someone being injured. Bruises were frequent, and sometimes the wounds were serious or even life-threatening Private Istanbul Tour.

Despite these dangers, the sport continued to be encouraged, as it was seen as a test of bravery and discipline. Pain and injury were accepted as part of the training.

Combat Between Black Eunuchs and White Pages

On certain occasions, the Sultan arranged special combat days. During these events, Black Eunuchs and White Pages competed against each other on horseback using the Gerit. These contests were filled with strong rivalry. Each side fought fiercely, defending the honor of their color, race, and rank.

The struggle was so intense that it often seemed as if they were fighting for the Empire itself. These contests almost never ended without bloodshed, showing how serious and emotional the competitions had become.

Rules and Restrictions of the Exercise

It is important to note that not everyone in the palace was allowed to take part in these exercises. Members of the Two Inner Chambers were only permitted to perform such activities within the walls of the Seraglio. The pages who accompanied the Sultan outside were usually those already promoted or preparing for higher positions.

These rules reflected the strict hierarchy and discipline of the Ottoman court, where even sports followed clear boundaries.

Of the Eunuchs in the Ottoman Court

Among the customs of Eastern courts, the use of eunuchs was long established and widely accepted. This practice arose from the belief that strict control was necessary to preserve order, discipline, and security within royal households. Because of this concern, many Eastern princes trusted the most sensitive offices of their courts not to ordinary men, but to eunuchs, who were believed to pose no threat to family honor or dynastic stability.

In the court of the Ottoman Sultan, known as the Seraglio, eunuchs held positions of great responsibility and authority. Far from being minor servants, they were among the most powerful and respected figures within the palace Istanbul Private Tours.

The Two Chief Eunuchs of the Seraglio

There were two eunuchs above all others, each commanding a different part of the palace. The first was the Kızlar Ağa, or Chief Black Eunuch. He was responsible for the women of the Seraglio, including the Sultan’s household and the imperial harem. Because of his access to these private spaces, his position required absolute trust and loyalty. He was often consulted on important matters and enjoyed close relations with the Sultan and the Queen Mother.

The second was the Kapı Ağa, or Master of the Gate. He was a White Eunuch and held authority over the Pages and all White Eunuchs serving in the court. His office placed him in charge of discipline, order, and daily operations within the inner palace. He controlled access to the Sultan and supervised those who served closest to him.

Authority and Hierarchy

Under the Kapı Ağa were many other eunuch officers. One of the most important was the Haz Oda Başçı, commonly described as the Lord Chamberlain. He commanded the Gentlemen of the Bedchamber and managed the Sultan’s private rooms. This role required constant vigilance and careful attention to court protocol.

All eunuchs, whether Black or White, were expected to show strict obedience and discretion. Their power came not from birth or wealth, but from their service and the trust placed in them by the Sultan.

Respect and Influence

Though their condition set them apart, eunuchs often achieved high status and influence. Many accumulated wealth, built alliances, and played key roles in court politics. Their position illustrates how, in the Ottoman system, loyalty and usefulness could raise a person to honor, regardless of origin or physical condition.

The Dwarfs of the Ottoman Court

In the Ottoman court, there was another group of attendants besides the Pages and the Mutes. These were the Dwarfs, who were known by the name Giuge. Like the Pages, they were lodged within the palace and shared quarters near the two main chambers. From an early stage, they were carefully trained to behave with humility, discipline, and strict respect, especially when standing in the presence of the Grand Signior.

Their education was not based on learning or service in government, but on courtly behavior. They were taught how to stand, move, and react correctly before the Sultan, since even the smallest mistake in posture or manner could be seen as disrespect in such a highly ordered court Istanbul Private Tours.

Combination of Physical Conditions and Court Value

According to early observers, the Ottoman court placed unusual value on individuals who combined several rare physical conditions. If one of these dwarfs happened also to be mute by nature, and later, through human intervention, was made a eunuch, he was considered far more valuable than others. Such a person was thought to be especially suited for service within the inner palace.

Writers of the time went so far as to claim that such a man was more highly esteemed than if nature and skill had worked together to create the most physically perfect person in the world. This belief reflects the strange priorities of court life, where uniqueness and usefulness within strict rules often mattered more than ordinary human qualities.

A Favoured Dwarf at the Seraglio

One notable example is recorded by early historians. A certain Pasha presented such a dwarf to the Grand Signior as a gift. The Sultan, together with the Queen Mother, received him with great pleasure. He was immediately dressed in cloth of gold, a fabric reserved only for those of high favour, and was granted free access through all the gates of the Seraglio.

This privilege was extremely rare and showed how close such attendants could come to the inner circle of power. Though they held no political office, their physical presence and constant access gave them a unique position within palace life.

Meaning of Their Role

The place of dwarfs in the Ottoman court shows how deeply symbolism, hierarchy, and control shaped life in the Seraglio. These attendants existed to serve, amuse, and demonstrate the absolute authority of the ruler. Their value was not measured by wisdom or skill, but by how well they fit into the strict and often harsh customs of the imperial household.

The Silent Language of the Ottoman Court

One of the most unusual features of the Ottoman court was the use of mutes, whose language of signs was highly developed and widely understood. This silent language was made up of many gestures and movements, which, through long custom and practice, allowed the mutes to communicate clearly with one another.

By using signs alone, they were able not only to express simple ideas or answer familiar questions, but also to tell stories and explain complex matters. They could understand and discuss the fables of their religion, the laws and teachings of the Alcoran, the name and deeds of Mahomet, and many other subjects that are normally expressed through spoken words. In this way, their communication was nearly as complete as ordinary speech.

The Favourite Mutes

Among the mutes, the most senior and experienced—usually eight or nine in number—were known as the Favourite Mutes. These men were granted the privilege of attending the Haz-Oda, or the private chamber of the Grand Signior. Their presence there marked a position of trust, even though their duties were often unusual Istanbul Private Tours.

According to early writers, these Favourite Mutes sometimes served as objects of amusement for the Sultan. He might command them to perform gestures, imitate scenes, or engage in mock contests. Such actions were not meant as public spectacle, but as private diversions within the inner chambers of the palace. Though these descriptions may sound harsh to modern readers, they reflect the strict hierarchy and customs of court life at that time.

Widespread Use of Sign Language

The language of the mutes became so common in the Ottoman court that almost everyone of rank could understand and use it. Courtiers, officers, and servants alike learned to express their meaning through signs. This skill was especially useful in the presence of the Grand Signior, where silence was considered a mark of respect.

Speaking aloud, or even whispering, was often seen as improper when standing before the Sultan. For this reason, sign language allowed communication without breaking courtly rules. Orders could be given, messages delivered, and requests made, all without a single spoken word.

Purpose and Significance

The silent language of the mutes served both practical and symbolic purposes. It ensured secrecy, discipline, and order within the palace, while also reinforcing the authority and dignity of the ruler. Through silence, obedience, and gesture, the Ottoman court created a system of communication unlike any other in the world at that time.

Honor of Serving in the Royal Chamber

Those who, through the grace and favor of the Sultan, reached the dignity of serving in the Royal Chamber enjoyed a very special position. They had the rare honor of being constantly within the Sultan’s sight and presence. This closeness to the ruler gave them both prestige and influence, setting them apart from all others in the palace.

Because of their loyal service, the Sultan often rewarded them with valuable gifts.

Royal Gifts and Special Privileges

The Sultan frequently presented these men with swords, bows, veils, and other symbols of honor. Such gifts were not only signs of favor but also marks of status that were recognized throughout the Empire. In addition to these rewards, the members of the Royal Chamber were permitted to receive gifts and payments from others in return for their intercessions and recommendations Private Istanbul Tour.

When someone wished to gain the Sultan’s attention or secure a favor, these officers often acted as intermediaries. This privilege allowed them to build wealth and influence while still serving the court.

Duties as Royal Messengers

The Sultan also trusted these men with important missions. At times, he sent them as messengers to Pashas and provincial governors. On other occasions, they were dispatched to confirm the authority of princes in regions such as Transylvania, Moldavia, and Wallachia. These tasks required discretion, loyalty, and a deep understanding of court politics.

They were also sent to carry gifts to the Vizier and other high-ranking officials. Such missions showed the Sultan’s confidence in them and increased their reputation across the Empire.

Wealth Gained Through Service

In all these assignments, the members of the Royal Chamber were treated with great respect. They were generously entertained and presented with money, jewels, and rich furnishings for horses. These rewards were often substantial, and very few of the forty members remained poor for long.

Within a short time, most of them gained estates of their own. Their wealth was usually enough to equip and furnish themselves properly for entry into any office of the Empire.

Preparation for High Office

Service in the Royal Chamber was therefore not an end, but a beginning. It prepared these men for the highest positions in government. Through honor, wealth, and experience, they became fully ready to serve the Ottoman state in roles of great responsibility.

The Arz Agalar and Their Special Role

There were nine officers in the Seraglio known as the Arz Agalar. These men held a special privilege: they were allowed to present petitions directly to the Grand Signior, much like Masters of Requests in European courts. This duty placed them in a position of great trust, as they acted as a bridge between the Sultan and those seeking justice, favor, or promotion.

Because of this responsibility, the Arz Agalar were carefully chosen from among the most loyal and capable officers of the palace.

Members Chosen from the Haz Oda

Out of the nine Arz Agalar, four were selected from the Haz Oda, the highest chamber of the Seraglio. These officers already served close to the Sultan’s person. Their names and duties were well known within the court Private Istanbul Tour.

These included the Silahdar Aga, who carried the Sultan’s sword; the Chohadar Aga, responsible for the Sultan’s outer garment; the Rikabdar Aga, who held the Sultan’s stirrup when he mounted his horse; and the Tulbent Oğlanı, who assisted with the preparation and care of the Sultan’s turban.

Their daily proximity to the Sultan made them highly visible and placed them among the most likely candidates for future advancement.

Arz Agalar from Other Offices

The remaining Arz Agalar were chosen from other important palace offices. One of these was the Hazna Kethüdası, the second-ranking officer of the Treasury. Another was the Kiler Kethüdası, who supervised the supplies of sherbets, sugar, sweetmeats, and other provisions used in the palace.

Also included was the Doğancıbaşı, or chief falconer, who oversaw the Sultan’s hunting birds. The Hazodabaşı, the principal commander of the Royal Chamber, was another member. Finally, there was the Kapı Ağası, the chief commander of the pages, who was responsible for discipline and order among the young men of the court.

Path to High Office

All of these officers were considered the closest to promotion. When positions outside the palace became vacant, such as the office of Pasha or other high provincial posts, these men were usually chosen first. Their service in the Seraglio was seen as the best training for governing others.

Thus, the role of the Arz Agalar served not only as an honor but also as a final step before entering the highest ranks of the Ottoman administration.

Increase in Pay and Advancement

As the pages advanced in rank and responsibility, their pay and daily allowance also increased. At first, they received only four or five aspers a day. After promotion, their salary rose to eight aspers or more. This increase was not only financial but also symbolic, showing that they were gaining the Sultan’s trust and moving closer to positions of importance within the Seraglio.

From this stage, they were transferred to more respected and sensitive departments of the palace.

Service in the Treasury and Dispensary

After their early promotions, the pages were placed in either the Hazna Oda, the Chamber of the Treasury, or the Kilar, also known as the Dispensary. In the Treasury, valuable goods, money, and precious objects belonging to the Grand Signior were kept. In the Dispensary, drinks, cordials, medicines, and rich beverages prepared for the Sultan’s use were stored and managed.

These positions required honesty, discipline, and careful behavior. Only those considered trustworthy were allowed to serve in these chambers, as any mistake could lead to severe punishment.

The Highest Chamber: The Haz Oda

From the Treasury and the Dispensary, the most capable pages were selected for the Haz Oda, the highest and most honorable chamber of the Seraglio. This chamber consisted of forty pages, whose main duty was to attend directly upon the person of the Grand Signior himself.

Among these forty pages, twelve held the chief offices of the court, each responsible for a specific and intimate service Private Istanbul Tour.

The Twelve Chief Officers of the Court

Seliktar-Aga – the Sultan’s sword-bearer.

Chiohadar-Aga – the officer who carried the Sultan’s cloak or outer garment in bad weather.

Rekibdar-Aga – the one who held the Sultan’s stirrup when he mounted his horse.

Ibriktar-Aga – responsible for carrying water for the Sultan to drink or wash.

Turbendar-Aga – in charge of preparing and arranging the Sultan’s turban.

Kiler Hüsar-Aga – keeper of the wardrobe and overseer of the washing of the Sultan’s linen.

Çeşnigirbaşı – the chief taster, who tested food for safety.

Zağarcıbaşı – chief officer in charge of the hunting dogs.

Tırnakçıbaşı – responsible for trimming the Sultan’s nails.

Berberbaşı – the chief barber.

Muhasebecibaşı – the chief accountant.

Tezkirecibaşı – the Sultan’s secretary.

Other Respected Officers

There were also two other important officers in the court: the Doğancıbaşı, or chief falconer, and the Hamamcıbaşı, or chief officer of the baths. Although these positions were highly respected, their offices and living quarters were separate from the Royal Chamber. Because they did not serve directly within it, they were not eligible for higher promotion.

Education Beyond School Learning

In addition to lessons in reading, writing, and physical exercise outside the school, the young men of the Seraglio were taught many other useful skills. These skills were not chosen for pleasure alone, but to prepare them for service to the Grand Signior, the Sultan. Every activity was meant to make a man practical, disciplined, and valuable.

The goal of this training was to keep them busy at all times. Idleness was strongly discouraged, as it was believed to lead to bad habits and weak character.

Learning Trades and Handicrafts

Many of the pages were trained in a trade, handicraft, or mystery, meaning a specialized skill. Some learned how to sew and embroider leather, a craft in which the Turks were considered superior to all other nations. Others were taught how to make arrows, decorate quivers, and embroider saddles. Many became skilled in making all kinds of furniture and equipment for horses, which were highly valued in Ottoman society Private Istanbul Tour.

These skills were not only artistic but also practical, supporting the daily needs of the court and the army.

Personal and Domestic Services

Some pages were trained in personal services. They learned how to properly fold a turban, clean and brush vests, and carefully prepare clothing. Others worked in the baths, where they learned how to wash and clean garments according to strict rules of hygiene.

There were also those responsible for keeping dogs and training hawks, important animals for hunting and display. These duties required patience, care, and responsibility.

Music and Cultural Training

Other young men focused on culture and the arts. Some learned to excel in the Turkish style of music, mastering instruments and melodies that were played at court ceremonies and special events. Music was seen as a refined skill and a sign of good education.

All these services helped develop discipline and loyalty, while also preparing them for future responsibilities.

Advancement and First Promotion

Those who showed strong progress in their studies and great skill in physical training were rewarded. They were promoted to the first step of advancement, which was the honorable duty of washing the Sultan’s linen. At this stage, they were allowed to change their plain clothing for fine satin vests and garments made of cloth of gold.

This promotion marked the beginning of a new life, opening the path to higher offices and greater trust within the Ottoman state.

The Careful Choice of Officers

The Turks were very careful in choosing their officers. They preferred to be served by men they had raised and educated themselves, men who owed their skills, knowledge, and loyalty to the ruler. These young men were taught wisdom, virtue, and discipline, as well as provided for physically, so that by the time they reached maturity, they could serve the empire effectively. This system ensured that the Sultan was served by men he could promote without fear of envy and remove without danger.

Selection of Youths for High Office

The young men chosen for the empire’s highest offices were called Ichoglans. They were selected from Christian families, often taken as children in war or presented as gifts from distant lands. For example, the Algerians sometimes gave young boys captured in piracy. This system had a clear purpose: by taking children far from their families and teaching them new principles, customs, and loyalty to the Sultan, they became fully devoted to their master. Since they had no local ties or personal interests, they had no reason to betray their position Daily Ephesus Tours.

Physical Appearance and Character

The selection of these youths was not only about loyalty. They had to be of excellent appearance, well-shaped, and free from physical defects. It was believed that a pure and intelligent mind could only live in a healthy and pleasing body. In the Seraglio, I observed that those with fine features and strong, well-proportioned bodies were more capable of performing difficult duties and inspiring respect. Physical presence was considered a reflection of inner strength, discipline, and good character.

Purpose and Benefits

By training these young men from an early age, the Sultan created a loyal and skilled cadre of officials. They were educated in the arts of government, military skills, and court etiquette, ensuring that the empire had competent, disciplined, and obedient servants. The policy also prevented favoritism, nepotism, and local loyalties from interfering with the state. It was a system that combined careful selection, rigorous training, and strict loyalty, and it became one of the strongest pillars of Ottoman governance.

Alarm Spreads Through the Seraglio

In the midst of this fear and confusion, a guard of Black and White Eunuchs came quickly to the door of the pages’ chambers. They warned everyone to arm themselves with whatever weapons were closest at hand. The pages were ordered to stay where they were and not to move until they received further instructions.

The same disorder existed in all the other chambers of the palace. Pages and officers alike were confused and frightened. Everywhere, people were given the same command: take up arms and be ready. The Seraglio, which was usually quiet and strictly ordered, had now become a place of noise, movement, and tension Ephesus Sightseeing.

Fear of the Young Grand Signior

During all this time, the Grand Signior himself was filled with fear. He believed that he might be put to death, just as his father had been before him. No one could calm him. His fear only grew as he heard the noise and shouting spreading through the palace.

At last, Mustapha Pasha, the King’s Sword-bearer, took him gently by the hand. He led him through the rooms and showed him his attendants, fully armed and standing ready to defend him at a moment’s notice. This sight brought some comfort to the frightened young ruler.

A Cry of Loyalty

As they passed near one of the palace windows, a young man outside saw the Grand Signior and cried out loudly,

“God grant our King ten thousand years of life!”

At once, everyone in the chamber responded with a great shout of “Allah! Allah!” This powerful cry echoed through the entire Seraglio. It reached even the farthest quarters, where the grooms, cooks, axe-men, falconers, and other servants were stationed. These men were already armed and prepared, and they answered with the same loud shout of loyalty.

Preparations Beyond the Palace Walls

These preparations were not limited to the Seraglio itself. Outside the palace, the Vizier had already acted. He sent urgent orders to the Pashas, Beglerbegs, and other trusted allies, commanding them to come immediately to the Seraglio.

They were ordered to bring as many soldiers as possible, along with provisions for three days. The Vizier made it clear that this was not a request but a command. Any man who failed to obey would face death.

Thus, both inside and outside the palace, all forces were being gathered to protect the Grand Signior and prevent another tragic overthrow.

Fear for the Safety of the King

At this dangerous moment, the officers feared that the King was about to be taken from their control. The Capa Aga declared firmly that he would not raise the Ichoglans, who were the royal pages, unless he received a written command from the King himself. He insisted that such an action was too serious to be taken without clear authority.

While this discussion was still going on, the servants of the Capa Aga awoke and overheard the conversation. They could not restrain themselves. Without waiting for further orders, they hurried off to awaken the pages in both the greater and the lesser chambers Ephesus Sightseeing.

The Alarm in the Greater Chamber

One of the servants, the Butler, entered what was known as the Greater Chamber of the Pages. It was about five hours into the night, when all should have been quiet. The chamber was very long, nearly eighty paces in length. The Butler ran to the center of the room, stopped suddenly, and clapped his hands loudly.

To make such noise in the Seraglio during the night was considered a serious offense, and greatly against palace rules. Some of the pages were awakened by the sound. They raised their heads in confusion and fear, shocked by such an unusual alarm. They immediately asked the reason for this disturbance.

Panic Spreads Among the Pages

The Butler clapped his hands again and cried out loudly, “Arise! The Grand Signior is about to be taken out of our hands!” At these words, the entire chamber sprang into action. The pages rose in great confusion and alarm.

More than six hundred Ichoglans rushed from their places. Some were half-dressed, others had no weapons. Some prepared themselves to fight, while others thought only of escaping. Many believed that the Janissaries had already entered the Seraglio and that the palace was under attack.

Confusion and Disorder in the Palace

In the darkness and confusion, order was lost. The pages ran in different directions, uncertain whether they should defend the King, flee for safety, or seek orders from their superiors. Fear spread quickly, and the quiet of the night was completely broken.

This sudden alarm showed how fragile the situation had become, and how close the royal household was to chaos, all because the safety of the Grand Signior seemed to hang by a thread.

The Immediate Removal of the Officer

All of this was done in a single moment, without delay. The officer in question was immediately removed from his post, and another man was appointed in his place. At the same time, the Oath of Allegiance was administered to the new officer. He swore loyalty to the Grand Signior and promised faithful service.

After this, he gathered together the gardeners of the palace, who numbered about five hundred men. He required all of them to swear obedience to the Grand Signior as well. They were ordered to remain on duty throughout the entire night, carefully guarding the gates and walls of the royal gardens, so that no enemy might enter or escape Ephesus Sightseeing.

Calling the Ichoglans into Service

Next, the officials turned their attention to the Ichoglans, who were the pages and young attendants of the Grand Signior. In order to act with privacy and avoid confusion, they proceeded quietly to the chamber of the Capa Aga, whose office gave him authority over all the youth of the Seraglio.

They knocked gently at his window. Hearing the noise, the guards approached and asked what was the matter. The visitors replied that the Capa Aga must be awakened and asked to speak with them at the window.

However, the Capa Aga first demanded to know who was speaking to him. When he was informed that it was the Vizier and the Kushir Aga, he replied that he was unwell and unable to rise from his bed. He asked them instead to speak to him through the window.

Suspicion and the Truth Revealed

They then told him that, by order of His Majesty, he was required to rise at once and awaken all the Ichoglans in the Seraglio, as an important matter demanded their presence. Still, the Capa Aga did not move. Because of this delay, some suspected that he might be involved in the conspiracy that threatened the Sultan.

Yet this suspicion was unfounded. The truth was that the Capa Aga was a very old man, nearly ninety years of age, and his body was weak and unhealthy. His refusal did not come from disloyalty, but from physical inability.

Solyman Aga Takes Command

Seeing the danger of further delay, Solyman Aga raised his voice loudly and cried out, commanding him directly: “Aga, raise the Ichoglans!” This firm order made clear that the safety of the Grand Signior required immediate action, and that hesitation could no longer be tolerated.

Thus, discipline was restored, and the servants of the palace were brought under control at a moment when loyalty and swift obedience were most needed.

The Fear of the Young Sultan

When the danger became clear, the Grand Signior, who was still a child, broke down in fear and sorrow. He cried openly and threw himself at the feet of Solyman Aga, begging for help. In his distress, he called out, “Lala, Lala, kurtar beni,” which means, “Tutor, Tutor, save me.” This cry showed both his youth and his terror.

Solyman Aga, deeply moved, lifted his young master into his arms, not without tears of his own. Together with the Vizier, he tried to comfort both the child and his mother. They swore solemnly that they would rather die themselves than live to witness such a terrible destruction of the royal house.

Procession to the Presence Chamber

After this, they escorted the young Sultan forward. Several ladies of the court carried lighted torches before them, guiding the way through the palace. Their destination was the Hozoda, also known as the Presence Chamber, where the principal officers of the court were always in attendance Ephesus Sightseeing.

As the torches approached, the guards stationed in the chamber were astonished. Seeing the light, they moved forward to learn what was happening. When they realized that the Grand Signior himself was coming, they hurried back at once to awaken their fellow guards and summon them to their duty.

The Sultan Addresses His Officers

The Grand Signior was seated upon the throne, which always stood ready in the Presence Chamber. The officers of the chamber, forty in number, gathered before him and respectfully asked whether His Majesty required their faithful service.

At this moment, Solyman Aga spoke with great force. He reminded them that those who eat the King’s bread are bound to serve the King. He declared that they had already allowed traitors to destroy Sultan Ibrahim, and now those same enemies sought to destroy the young ruler as well. It was now the duty of the Sultan’s most trusted servants to protect him with complete loyalty.

A Promise of Justice

Among the officers stood Mustapha Pasha, the Sword-Bearer to the Grand Signior and chief of the Presence Chamber. He was a man of great courage and firm resolve. Having already suspected the ill intentions of the Old Queen, he answered boldly that the Sultan should not be troubled. God willing, by the next day, the heads of his enemies would lie at his feet.

The First Act of Authority

Seeing that the situation allowed no delay, the Vizier and the other officials began to act immediately. Pen and ink were brought, and an official order was prepared for the Sultan’s signature. This decree commanded the arrest of Bostangi Pasha as a traitor, accusing him of breaking the law of the night by keeping open the gate of the King’s Garden.

Thus began the swift response of the court to defend the throne and restore order.

The Unusual Behavior of the Old Queen

It was observed that the Old Queen, contrary to her usual custom, had not yet gone to bed. On ordinary evenings, she retired to rest about two hours into the night. On this particular evening, however, she remained awake and chose instead to spend time in the company of her eunuchs and favorites. She entertained herself with music, singing, and other pleasures that were unusual for her. This strange behavior caused suspicion among those who watched the inner affairs of the palace.

The Vizier Takes Action

After a short discussion, the Vizier, along with Solyman Aga and several of the King’s eunuchs, decided to go to the quarters of the Old Queen. They attempted to enter by force, but were resisted by the Queen’s eunuchs, who stood in their way. At this moment, Solyman Aga, who was known for his strength and bold character, drew his dagger and struck the chief chamberlain, Bap Kapa Oglar, across the face.

This violent act caused the situation to escalate quickly. The other eunuchs who accompanied Solyman Aga rushed in with their daggers drawn. Seeing this, the Queen’s eunuchs fled in fear, leaving the Old Queen alone in her chamber Ephesus Sightseeing.

Arrest and Secrecy

The Old Queen was then placed under the custody of the King’s eunuchs. The eunuchs who had fled tried to escape from the Seraglio, but Solyman Aga had already ordered the gates to be shut. As a result, they were captured along with all the Queen’s favorites and secured safely under guard.

This operation was carried out with such secrecy that no alarm was raised in the nearby royal apartments. The palace remained silent, and no disturbance was heard.

Awakening the Young Queen

After securing the situation, the Vizier and Solyman Aga proceeded to the chamber where the King was sleeping. They gently lifted the curtain at the entrance and signaled for silence to the Ladies of the Guard. In the Grand Signior’s court, it was customary to communicate by signs to avoid noise, a silent language practiced with such skill that entire stories could be told without a word.

Following these silent instructions, the Ladies softly rubbed the feet of the Young Queen to wake her. When she awoke, they informed her that Solyman Aga wished to speak with her.

Fear and Panic

The Queen, greatly surprised, leapt from her bed. Before she could fully understand the matter, she became overcome with fear. Unable to control herself, she cried out loudly and ran to seize her son. In a state of distress, she caught him in her arms and cried out in terror, fearing for both his life and her own.

A Great Gathering of Armed Men

In a very short time, the gathering of people became extremely large. So many armed men arrived that the gardens of the Seraglio, the outer courts, and all the nearby streets were completely filled. Everywhere one looked, soldiers stood ready with weapons. The palace area, which was usually calm and controlled, now appeared like a city preparing for war.

From Galata and Tophana, boats and barges came constantly. They were heavily loaded with gunpowder, ammunition, and other necessary supplies. These vessels crossed the water without delay, bringing everything needed for defense. By the time morning light appeared, a powerful force of horsemen and foot soldiers filled the streets, while ships and galleys covered the sea. This great display of strength caused serious fear among the Janizaries, who quickly understood that the King was no longer alone or unprotected Ephesus Sightseeing.

Fear and Reaction of the Janizaries

When the Janizaries learned of these preparations and saw how many people were rushing to support the King, they realized that they could no longer remain inactive. They feared that delay would place them at a great disadvantage. Therefore, they decided to act quickly and gather forces of their own.

To increase their strength, the Janizaries began to arm large numbers of Albanians, Greeks, and other Christians living in the city. They offered them money, as well as promises of honors, titles, and special privileges. Most importantly, they promised to free them from the Harach, the heavy tax traditionally paid by Christians.

Dangerous Promises and Growing Division

These offers proved extremely tempting. Many accepted weapons eagerly, hoping for freedom from taxes and a better future. As a result, armed men now stood on both sides, loyal to different causes. The court and the city became deeply divided, each group ready to defend its own interests.

The situation grew more dangerous with every hour. The streets filled with tension, suspicion, and fear. People whispered of betrayal, and rumors spread quickly. It seemed that a terrible civil war might soon break out within the heart of the empire itself.

At this moment, Constantinople stood on the edge of chaos, with brother prepared to rise against brother, and the fate of the state hanging in the balance.

News of Fighting in the Streets

At this moment, news arrived that a fight had broken out in the streets. The outcome was still uncertain, and many feared what might happen next. The Young Queen, unsure which side would prevail, was filled with anxiety. She feared that if the Janissaries gained the upper hand, Bellas would seek revenge for the blood of the Old Queen by putting her to death.

Moved by fear and uncertainty, the Young Queen decided to act at once.

The Young Queen Enters the Presence Chamber

She came veiled and covered, entering the Presence Chamber quietly. As she passed through the crowd, she spoke with strong emotion, saying:

“Is this the respect you owe to your King and Lord? Do you know where you are? What do you want with a woman? Why do you interfere in the King’s affairs?”

Her words were sharp and full of authority, intended to shame those who had taken matters into their own hands Private Tour Ephesus.

Suspicion Among the Pages

Some of the Pages immediately suspected that this appearance was only a trick. They believed that the Young Queen wished to make the world think she supported the Grandmother, while secretly working against her. This suspicion made them even more determined to press the Mufti for a fetva, or formal sentence, against the Old Queen.

The tension in the chamber grew heavier with every moment.

A Dangerous Mistake

Suddenly, one of the Pages, looking closely at the veiled woman, became suspicious. Believing that she might be the Old Queen herself, he cried out loudly:

“This is the one you are seeking! She is in your hands now. Take your revenge upon her!”

At once, several men rushed forward, eager to seize her.

A Mother’s Desperate Appeal

Seeing the danger, the woman fled toward the young Sultan. She threw herself at his feet, grasped him tightly, and cried out in distress:

“No, no! I am not the Grandmother. I am the mother of His Majesty!”

She wiped the tears from her son’s eyes with her handkerchief and held him close. By gestures and signs, she begged the crowd to stand back and restrain themselves.

A Moment of Silence

Her desperate appeal caused hesitation among the attackers. For a brief moment, the violence paused, and the chamber fell into uneasy silence. The fate of the women and the empire still hung in the balance, uncertain and trembling between mercy and destruction.

Confusion in the Presence Chamber

Those who entered His Majesty’s Presence Chamber immediately perceived a great tumult and disorder. The noise was so loud and confused that it was difficult to understand what was happening. Voices were heard speaking in many different languages. Some shouted in Georgian, others in Albanian, Bosnian, Mengrelian, Turkish, and even Italian. This mixture of tongues reflected the diverse origins of the soldiers and attendants who had gathered there in haste.

Because of this confusion, the leading officers and religious authorities were uncertain how to proceed with order and reason in so serious an affair. The situation was dangerous, and every decision carried great risk Private Tour Ephesus.

Debate Among the Leaders

The Mufti, together with several senior officials, believed that the sentence against the Old Queen should not be declared hastily. They argued that such a grave judgment required careful thought. In their opinion, the matter should be calmly discussed, and if possible, a solution should be found that would both save the Queen’s life and secure the safety of the Sultan.

They feared that a rash decision might lead to greater unrest or even civil conflict. The Mufti, as a religious authority, was especially concerned that justice be carried out according to law and conscience, not anger or fear.

Pressure from the Crowd

However, the crowd was impatient and unwilling to wait. The soldiers and attendants, already inflamed by fear and suspicion, shouted loudly that there must be no delay. They cried out that if the sentence were postponed, they would consider the Mufti and the other officials to be supporters of the Old Queen.

Their words were threatening and full of fury. The pressure from the crowd grew stronger with every moment, making it increasingly difficult for reasoned voices to be heard.

News Reaches the Young Queen

At this critical moment, news reached the Young Queen that serious events had taken place within the palace. She was told that blood had already been shed and that the safety of the court hung in the balance. This information increased the fear and anxiety spreading through the royal household.

A Turning Point in the Crisis

Thus, the court stood at a dangerous crossroads. On one side were those who sought justice and caution, and on the other, those who demanded swift punishment. The clash between these forces marked a turning point in the struggle for power, where emotion threatened to overpower law, and violence seemed ever closer to deciding the fate of the empire.