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.

The Flight into the Garden

Seeing the danger before him, the man fled quickly through the terrace and ran into the royal garden. However, he did not escape far. Five or six men pursued him closely and soon caught up with him. They seized him by the collar and were ready at once to cut his throat. His life would have ended there, had he not pleaded earnestly for one final request.

With trembling voice, he begged them to allow him to throw himself at the feet of the Sultan before he died. Moved by his desperate entreaty, they granted him this small mercy. Dragging him back, they brought him before the young King Private Tour Ephesus.

A Last Attempt for Mercy

When he stood before the Sultan, the man presented a seal and a key to the secret treasury, hoping this act would win compassion. He then began to speak, trying to defend himself and beg for his life. But before he could finish even a few words, fate overtook him.

A bold and fierce young Baltagee, named Jalch-Leferli, stepped forward without hesitation. Raising his axe, he struck the man forcefully on the head, splitting it in two. At the sight of this first blow, the others rushed in. With their scimitars, they attacked him together and cut his body to pieces.

Fear Spreads Through the Chamber

Blood and fragments of flesh were thrown across the rich carpets of the chamber. This terrible sight filled many with fear, especially those who had secretly supported the Old Queen and her conspiracy. They now realized how dangerous their position truly was.

The Young King’s Reaction

The young Sultan, unaware of the loyal intentions of his servants, was deeply shaken by the violence. Still tender in heart and unused to such cruelty, he began to cry at the sight of the bloodshed. In fear, he clung tightly to the Selihtar, who held him protectively in his arms.

After the body was removed from his sight, the attendants spoke gently to the King. They told him that what had happened was a sacrifice made out of love and loyalty for his safety. Comforted by these words, the child’s tears soon stopped.

Arrival of High Officials

During this time, several important figures entered the Hazoda, or Presence Chamber. Among them were the newly appointed Mufti, Kenan Pasha, one of the Viziers of the Council, and Balyzade Efendi, a former Chief Justice known to support the Spahis faction. Their arrival marked the next stage in the unfolding struggle for power within the court.

Order Restored Inside the Seraglio

Inside the Seraglio, everything was now brought into good order. After the morning prayers were finished, the Baltagees—a special guard who carried poleaxes—were summoned. These guards then called upon the Pages to join them and accompany them to the Presence Chamber, where the Sultan usually appeared in public.

The Baltagees numbered about two hundred men. They were known for their great strength, tall stature, and quick movement. At their signal, the Pages ran eagerly and without hesitation toward the door of the Chamber. Their behavior showed both loyalty and urgency, for they believed that the safety of the King depended upon swift action Private Tour Ephesus.

Resistance at the Chamber Door

When they reached the door, however, they were stopped by the Master of the Chamber, an elderly eunuch. This man was known to be loyal to the Old Queen and strongly devoted to her interests. Hoping to protect her person, he sharply rebuked the group. He accused them of rudeness and insolence, asking why they dared to approach the royal lodgings in such a loud and disorderly manner.

The Pages and guards answered with one voice. They declared that they demanded to speak directly to His Majesty. They further stated that they wished the Old Queen, whom they accused of being an enemy of the King and of the Muslim faith, to be put to death. These bold words deeply angered the eunuch.

Rising Anger and Dangerous Words

Relying on his authority and position, the Master of the Chamber scolded them fiercely. He called them rebels and traitors, accusing them of disrespect toward their sovereign. “What business have you with the Queen?” he cried. “Are you worthy even to speak her noble name?”

As he continued speaking in this harsh manner, the crowd grew more restless. One man among them shouted out in rage, calling the eunuch a traitor to the faith and demanding his death as well. Tensions rose quickly, and violence seemed close at hand.

At that moment, one man raised his hand as if to strike the eunuch. The air was filled with anger and confusion, and it became clear that only firm authority could prevent bloodshed within the very heart of the Seraglio.

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.

Princes and the Rule of Law

Authority Above Punishment, Not Above Order

The saying “Et si legibus solutissimus, tamen legibus vivimus” means this: although princes are freed from punishment by law, they must still live according to the law. In every government, there must be a supreme ruler, and for this reason kings and emperors are not subject to legal correction or judgment by any earthly power. No court or authority can call them to account for their mistakes or wrong actions in this world.

Yet, even though princes are above punishment, it is still necessary for the existence of an absolute monarchy that the ruler be a strict and careful executor of the laws. In truth, it is more in the ruler’s own interest and safety to govern by law than to rule without any limits. Absolute power should not be used at all times. It should be applied like medicine—only when ordinary remedies fail, and when serious disorder threatens the health of the state Sightseeing Sofia.

Absolute Power as a Rare Remedy

To rule only by force and command, without rule or measure, is dangerous even for the ruler himself. Law provides stability, obedience, and respect. When laws are followed, the ruler gains security. When laws are ignored, fear and resentment grow. Therefore, wisdom requires that absolute authority be used sparingly and only when necessary, just as a physician uses strong medicine only when mild treatment cannot cure the illness.

The Emperor and Sacred Custom

The Grand Signior, or Ottoman Emperor, is also bound by laws and customs, though this does not weaken his absolute authority. One important example appears when a new Emperor ascends the throne. By tradition, he is led with great ceremony and public celebration to a place outside Constantinople called Eyüp.

There stands an ancient monument of a prophet or holy man, whom the Turks, through confusion of history and lack of proper knowledge, identify as Job. Job is known in Scripture as a model of patience and endurance. However, Turkish tradition mixes times and persons, claiming that Job was a judge in the court of Solomon and that Alexander the Great was the commander of Solomon’s army.

Tradition Over Historical Accuracy

These errors show how history and chronology are often confused. Yet the ceremony itself has meaning. It reminds the Emperor that, although his power is supreme, he is expected to rule with justice, patience, and restraint. In this way, even an absolute monarch is guided—if not restrained—by law, custom, and tradition.

Titles That Show Absolute Power

The Emperor as God’s Representative on Earth

The absolute and unlimited power of the Ottoman Emperor is clearly shown by the titles given to him. He is called God on earth, the shadow of God, brother of the Sun and Moon, and the giver of all earthly crowns. These titles reveal how great his authority is believed to be, not only over people but over the whole world.

Although the Turks do not build altars or offer sacrifices to their Emperor, as the Romans once did to their rulers, the idea they have of his power comes very close to worship. They believe that a divine light rests upon him and that his authority is guided by heaven. This belief creates a kind of image or fantasy of divinity around his person, which may be described as a form of symbolic idolatry.

The Emperor Above the Law

Among Turkish judges and lawyers, it is commonly said that the Grand Signior is above the law. This means that no written law can limit him. Whatever is written may be changed or ignored by his command. His word itself becomes law, and he alone has the power to interpret it.

Although the Mufti, the chief religious authority, is often consulted, this is done mainly for custom, formality, and to satisfy the people. When the Mufti’s judgment does not support the Emperor’s wishes, he may be removed from office immediately and replaced by another who better serves the ruler’s purpose. I have personally known such changes to happen without delay Sightseeing Sofia.

Oaths, Promises, and Imperial Will

Some believe that even the Emperor’s oaths and promises can be withdrawn if keeping them would limit his absolute authority. If a vow interferes with the interests of the Empire, it may be set aside.

I remember occasions when the English Ambassador complained that agreements and treaties had been broken. He argued that the Grand Signior had no right to violate peace articles that he had confirmed with solemn oaths. In response, the interpreters avoided directly questioning the Emperor’s power. Instead, they carefully appealed to his justice, wisdom, honor, and mercy. They suggested that it was right and beneficial for him to maintain peace with the King of England.

Power and Princely Authority

This approach follows an old principle, even known in Roman law, that the ruler’s authority is supreme but best exercised with justice and restraint. In the Ottoman system, however, the Emperor’s will remains the final rule, standing above law, promise, and custom alike.

Flattery and Servile Behavior in the Seraglio

A Culture of Excessive Submission

Within the walls of the Seraglio there appears a kind of planned and practiced baseness in behavior. This does not come from fear alone, but from a long habit of submission and flattery toward the ruler. Those who live closest to the Sultan show extreme obedience and are quick to agree with every desire, passion, or inclination of their master, whether good or bad.

This behavior creates a dangerous situation. Even a wise and generous prince, such as some Ottoman Emperors have been, though he may not desire public liberty for his people, would soon grow tired of such slavish agreement. He would begin to see that these men do not speak the truth, but only what they think will please him. Such a ruler would naturally seek advice elsewhere and look for other means to learn the true condition of his own empire and of foreign kingdoms.

The Danger of Narrow Counsel

Men who have never seen any court or country beyond the one in which they live are poorly fitted to give sound advice on great affairs of state. Their views are limited, and their opinions shaped only by fear and habit. When a prince depends entirely on such people, his understanding of the world becomes narrow and distorted Private Sofia Tours.

This excessive flattery and blind submission have, without doubt, been the cause of the decline of Turkish discipline during certain reigns. During the time of Sultan Ibrahim, government fell largely into the hands of women. In the present age of Sultan Mahomet, counsel is said to come chiefly from his mother, from eunuchs, from Negro servants, and from a few favored young companions. Men of experience, learning, and independence are rarely allowed near the Sultan, nor are they encouraged to speak freely.

Silence Replaces Truth

In such an atmosphere, few dare to speak honestly. Those who might tell uncomfortable truths lack the courage, or the permission, to do so. Important matters are decided without open discussion, and wise counsel is replaced by pleasing words. This weakens the government and leads to poor decisions in times when strong judgment is most needed.

When Obedience Becomes a Snare

Obedience, when used by brave and wise Emperors, has served as a powerful tool for great achievements and the expansion of the Empire. However, in the hands of weak or pleasure-loving rulers, obedience becomes a trap. Flattery replaces loyalty, and fear replaces wisdom.

Thus, the same system that once strengthened the Empire may, under careless leadership, become the cause of its weakness and decline.

Law Liberty and the Happiness of Free Subjects

The Blessing of Rule Limited by Law

Although absolute power may help a ruler act quickly, it is a great blessing and a remarkable happiness for a people to live under a gracious prince whose authority is limited by wise and just laws. Such a ruler respects the rights of his subjects, recognizes their legal ownership of property, and governs himself by the same laws that guide his people. He does not punish the innocent together with the guilty, nor does he oppress his subjects without reason or distinction. He does not act like a ruler given in anger, whose power is guided only by passion rather than justice .

Under such government, people enjoy safety, stability, and peace of mind. They may not rule vast territories or claim distant lands, but they possess something far more valuable: liberty, security, and dignity. To live freely within one’s own borders, or to gain modest and lawful conquests, is a far greater honor than to be slaves to the desires of a monarch whose titles may cover much of the world but whose power rests upon fear.

Obedience as a Religious Duty

In the Turkish state, obedience to the Emperor is taught not merely as a rule of government, but as a principle of religion. Absolute power in the prince requires complete submission from the subject, and great care is taken to plant this belief deeply in the minds of those educated for public service Private Sofia Tours.

From an early age, young men trained in the Seraglio and prepared for high offices are carefully taught that unquestioning obedience is their highest duty. No effort is spared in shaping their thoughts, habits, and beliefs to ensure total loyalty. This obedience is taught with even greater seriousness than the vows made by monks and religious men to their superiors.

Submission Even unto Death

One of the most striking lessons taught is that to die by the command of the Grand Signior, if the sentence is accepted with full submission, is considered the highest form of martyrdom. Such a death is believed to bring immediate entrance into Paradise. In this way, fear of punishment is transformed into a form of religious devotion.

A famous example is Kara Mustafa Pasha, a Grand Vizier who achieved great success and brought many victories to his master. Though praised as one of the most fortunate ministers of his time, he fully understood the fragile nature of his position. He openly stated that he had reached the highest honor possible in this life and lacked only one final reward: to die by the order of the Grand Signior, which he viewed as the final proof of loyalty and the completion of his earthly honors.

The Advantage of Absolute Power in the Turkish Empire

The Strength Gained from Undivided Authority

The importance and usefulness of absolute power in the Turkish state can clearly be seen in the wide extent of its empire and the many successes of its armies. When the Sultan keeps the soldiers satisfied, it matters little, in this form of government, whether the common people are content or not. This was also the judgment of Machiavelli, who reached the same conclusion in the nineteenth chapter of his book The Prince. According to this view, the strength of such a state rests chiefly on the loyalty of the army.

Unity of Purpose in War and Policy

It is a great advantage to a commander when what is useful and what is just are made one and the same thing. In such a system, the ruler meets no resistance at home to delay or frustrate his great plans abroad. Decisions are made quickly, and action follows without hesitation. There are no assemblies to consult, no debates to prolong matters, and no factions to divide opinion. As a result, the ruler may act with speed and confidence.

Comparison with Divided Governments

This advantage becomes clearer when compared with governments where power is shared. The Emperor of Germany, for example, might have met the Turks sooner and stopped their early advance into Hungary during the last war if he had possessed absolute authority over the entire Empire. Instead, he was forced to seek the consent of many princes and to wait for the decisions of a general assembly. While these discussions continued, the Turkish forces were already preparing to move deeper into Europe.

When many heads and many hands are required, all business moves slowly. More time is often spent in argument and debate than in the actual execution of plans. These debates are frequently driven by faction and private interest rather than the common good, making swift action almost impossible Sightseeing Sofia.

Freedom of Action Without Restraint

It would seem a heavy burden to the Grand Signior if he were required to depend on the generosity of his subjects to fund a war, or on the judgment of lawyers who might challenge and criticize his actions as unlawful or beyond his authority. Such restraints would weaken his power and limit his reach.

It is difficult to imagine how any city or nation could rise to become the ruler of a vast empire under such constraints. A prince cannot be said to command a great portion of the world if his hands are bound by endless approvals and objections. Absolute power, though dangerous in many ways, has clearly allowed the Turkish Empire to act decisively and to expand with remarkable speed and force.

The Emperor’s Power Within and Beyond the Law

Power That Appears Limited, Yet Is Not

It may be said that the Emperor cannot truly be called a prisoner, even though his authority seems bounded by the laws of the universe itself. Just as a man who may roam freely within the world is not imprisoned because he cannot go beyond it, so the Emperor is not restrained simply because he rules within certain limits. Although he is said to be bound to the execution of the Mahometan Law, that same law names him its mouth and chief interpreter.

Because of this role, the Emperor is given power to alter, suspend, or even cancel rules that appear fixed and settled. At the very least, he may set them aside when they stand in the way of his government or oppose some great design of the Empire. Thus, the law that seems to restrain him also gives him the authority to reshape it.

Religious Law and Civil Authority

Among the learned doctors of the Turks, a clearer distinction is made. They argue that the Emperor is strictly bound only in matters of religion. In these cases, the Mahometan Law is considered divine and unchangeable. However, in civil matters—those concerning property, disputes, and worldly affairs—the law is said to be arbitrary. In such cases, no judge or legislator is required beyond the Emperor’s own will Sightseeing Sofia.

This belief leads to an important conclusion: the Grand Signior can never be deposed or held accountable for his actions. Some even claim that he remains beyond judgment, even if he were to destroy unjustly a great number of his subjects in a single day. Such statements show how absolute his authority is understood to be.

Witnesses, Justice, and Foreign Privileges

The Mahometan Law declares that the testimony of two faithful witnesses is enough to decide any dispute. Yet special agreements, known as Capitulations, provide exceptions for foreign nations. Under these agreements, no Turkish witnesses—no matter how many or how respected—may testify against an English subject in civil matters.

This protection exists because civil cases fall under the Emperor’s discretionary power. He may dispense with ordinary legal rules when foreign treaties require it. However, there is reason to doubt whether this protection would hold in criminal cases. Such matters belong to religious law, which is regarded as divine and binding. In these cases, even the Sultan himself has no authority to set the law aside.

The Balance of Absolute Rule

Thus, while the Emperor appears bound by law, his power remains vast. Religious law restrains him in theory, but civil authority rests almost entirely in his hands. This balance allows the Empire to function under one supreme will, guided by faith but ruled by absolute command.

The Solemn Inauguration of the Ottoman Emperor

Prayers for Wisdom and Prosperity

At this sacred place, solemn prayers are offered that God will bless the new ruler with wisdom and prosperity. These prayers ask that he may be able to carry the heavy responsibility of governing such a vast empire. The people believe that ruling wisely is not only a matter of power, but also a gift that must come from God.

After the prayers, the Mufti, who is the highest religious authority, embraces the new Emperor and gives him his blessing. This act shows that religion stands beside political power and gives it approval. It also reminds the ruler that he is expected to protect and uphold the faith.

The Emperor’s Sacred Oath

Following the blessing, the Grand Signior makes a solemn oath. He promises before God and witnesses that he will defend the Muslim faith and strictly maintain the laws of the Prophet Muhammad. This oath is taken very seriously, for it binds the Emperor not only to his people, but also to God. In theory, this promise places moral limits upon his authority, even though his political power remains absolute.

Submission of the Officials

After the oath, the chief judges, governors, and other high officials approach the Emperor. With deep respect and humility, they bow low, first touching the ground and then kissing the hem of his robe. Through this act, they openly acknowledge him as their true and lawful Emperor. This ceremony shows complete obedience and loyalty, and it makes clear that all authority in the empire flows from him alone Sightseeing Sofia.

Return to the Imperial Palace

Once the ceremony is completed, the Emperor returns to the Seraglio, which is the royal palace and permanent seat of the Ottoman rulers. He is accompanied with the same dignity, splendor, and formality as during his arrival. The procession confirms his new position before the people and the court.

Power Bound, Yet Unlimited

By this ceremony, the Grand Signior appears to bind himself to rule according to law. Yet the freedom granted to him is so wide that he can scarcely be said to be limited at all. His authority is like that of a man who owns the whole world: though rules exist, they rarely restrain his will. Thus, the Emperor is both sworn to the law and, in practice, placed far above it.