The Role of the Reis Efendi

The Mufti will be discussed later in its proper place. Here we will focus on the Reis Efendi, whose title means chief of the writers or head of the learned men of the pen. Among the Turks, men of law, scholars, clerks, and even parish priests are commonly called Efendi, a word that shows respect for education and learning.

The Reis Efendi was always present with the Grand Vizier. His main duty was to prepare, write, and issue orders, decrees, patents, and commissions to every part of the Ottoman Empire. These official documents were sent out daily in such large numbers that it is difficult to believe how much work passed through his hands Customized Tours Istanbul.

Government by Orders Rather Than Fixed Law

The reason for this heavy workload was the nature of Ottoman government. The Turks ruled less by fixed laws and written codes, and more by direct command and immediate decision, depending on the needs of the moment. Every situation required a new order. Even the courts of justice did not act freely, but followed the instructions sent from above.

Because of this system, almost no business could be done without written authorization. This made the office of the Reis Efendi extremely powerful and very busy. He employed large numbers of writers and clerks, all working under his direction to prepare official documents.

Wealth and Influence of the Reis Efendi

With such power came great opportunity for wealth. Many Reis Efendis, through their skill, hard work, intelligence, and courage, gained not only respect but also enormous riches. The money flowing through their office often found its way into their own coffers, both openly and secretly.

Some men who held this office became so rich that their wealth could rival that of princes. Their houses were filled with gold, jewels, rare objects, fine clothing, and precious books. Their influence extended far beyond their official duties.

The Example of Samozade

One famous example from recent Ottoman history was Samozade, a man well known throughout Turkey for both his learning and immense wealth. He gathered such vast collections of valuable and rare items that it would take too long to list them all.

However, his great power also brought great danger. During the last wars against the Emperor of Germany, Samozade was accused of being involved in a conspiracy against the Grand Vizier. As a result, he was executed.

After his death, all his possessions were confiscated by the Grand Signior. The treasure found in his house was so enormous that it could have restored the Sultan himself if the treasury had been empty or weakened.

This example shows both the great power and great risk attached to the office of Reis Efendi. While it offered influence and wealth beyond measure, it also placed its holder close to danger, suspicion, and sudden ruin. In the Ottoman system, high office was never secure, and fortune could change in a single moment.

The Beglerbegs Who Held the Rank of Vizier

Among all the Beglerbegs, five held the special and honorable title of Vizier, a word that means counsellor or chief advisor. These offices were considered the most powerful and prestigious in the Ottoman Empire. The five Pashas who held this rank were the Pashas of Anatolia, Babylon (Baghdad), Cairo, Romania (Rumelia), and Buda.

These governments were the richest and strongest provinces of the empire. They controlled large lands, collected great revenues, and commanded many soldiers. Because of this, their governors enjoyed great fame and authority, and their offices were often sought by ambitious men who wished to rise high in the service of the Sultan.

The remaining Beglerbegs did not carry the title of Vizier. Their rank and honor were determined by other factors, such as how early their provinces were conquered by the Ottomans and how long those lands had remained under Ottoman control. In this way, antiquity of possession and priority of conquest decided their position within the imperial hierarchy Customized Tours Istanbul.

The Principal Officers of Each Government

In every major government of the empire, there were three principal officers who assisted the Pasha in ruling the province. These officers were always present and played an essential role in administration.

The first was the Mufti, who was responsible for religious law and legal opinions. He advised the Pasha on matters concerning Islamic law and ensured that decisions were made according to accepted religious principles.

The second officer was the Reis Efendi, also called the Reis Kitab. He acted as Secretary of State and Chancellor combined. His duties included managing official correspondence, preparing documents, and keeping records of government decisions. He was a key figure in both civil administration and diplomacy.

The third officer was the Tefterdar Pasha, or Lord Treasurer. He managed the finances of the province, supervised the collection of taxes, and controlled public spending. Without his approval, no major financial decision could be made.

Their Relationship to the Grand Vizier

These three officers were not only assistants to their local Pasha, but also attendants and counsellors to the Prime Vizier. The Mufti, Reis Efendi, and Tefterdar who served under the Prime Vizier held higher rank and dignity than those in the provinces.

They were considered the original authority, while the provincial officers were seen as copies or extensions of their power. Through this system, the Ottoman Empire maintained order, unity, and control, ensuring that laws, finances, and administration followed the same principles throughout the empire.

This structure shows how carefully the Ottoman government organized its provinces. By combining military power, religious authority, and financial control, the empire ensured stability and strong central rule across its vast territories.

The North African Provinces of the Empire

To this long list of Ottoman governments, one might also add Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli in Barbary. However, these provinces had, by this time, greatly weakened their obedience to the Ottoman Sultan. Although they still recognized his name in form, in practice they acted almost as independent states, governing themselves according to their own interests.

Because of this loose connection with the Ottoman Empire, it is not necessary to give a full description of these governments here. In addition, during recent years, treaties, wars, and truces between the European powers and the Barbary states have made the condition and customs of these regions well known, especially in England. Their political situation, naval strength, and manner of warfare were familiar to merchants and sailors, and therefore need little further explanation Customized Tours Istanbul.

Purpose of the Previous Catalogue

The true purpose of the detailed list given earlier is to demonstrate the greatness and power of the Ottoman Empire. It shows how many large provinces, governments, and principalities were held under the Sultan’s authority. Such an empire offered many opportunities for ambitious and brave men, who hoped to rise by loyal service, military success, and wise government.

These vast possessions encouraged men of heroic spirit to seek honor and reward. The Sultan still held great power to grant offices, lands, and riches to those who served him well. In this way, the size of the empire helped sustain loyalty and ambition among its officers.

Military Obligations of the Pashas

Another important use of this catalogue is to help calculate the number of soldiers the Ottomans could bring into the field during war. Every Pasha was required to provide soldiers in proportion to his income. As a general rule, one soldier was required for every five thousand aspers of yearly revenue.

Although this was the official rule, many governors brought more soldiers than required, not out of duty alone, but to display their power and gain favor with the Sultan. Such displays were common in major wars, where reputation and loyalty were closely watched.

Example from the War with Germany

During the last war with Germany, the Beglerbeg of Romania gave a notable example of this practice. Although his official obligation was much lower, he appeared in the field with ten thousand effective soldiers. This action brought him honor and strengthened his standing at court.

In summary, the vast number of Ottoman provinces reveals not only the extent of the empire, but also the military strength it could command. Through wealth, obligation, and ambition, the Ottoman system tied land, revenue, and soldiers together into a powerful instrument of rule.

The Government of Baghdad (Babylon)

The Government of Baghdad, also called Babylon, was one of the most important provinces of the Ottoman Empire in the east. It stood on the lands of ancient Mesopotamia and controlled major trade routes between Persia, Arabia, and Anatolia. The yearly revenue of this province was about one million and seven hundred thousand aspers, which shows how valuable it once was to the Empire.

The Pasha of Baghdad commanded twenty-two Sangiacks. Among them were Dertensa, Gezan, Gewazir, Renk, Aiadine, Gelle, Semrvat, Rentahne, Beiare, Derne, Debare, Wasit, Gebsaule, Gedide, Kesend, Kasr-i-Shirin, Ghilan, Karag, Anne, Alsebiah, Demir-Kapi, Deir-Berkiye, and Karaniye. These districts helped secure the frontier against Persia and provided soldiers and taxes to the Ottoman state.

The Government of Yemen

The Government of Yemen, located in Arabia Felix, once belonged to the Ottomans. The Pasha usually resided in Aden, a strategic port on the Red Sea. However, this region was very difficult to control. Due to frequent revolts and resistance by local Arab tribes, much of Yemen was later lost.

Because the Ottomans no longer held real authority there, it is no longer useful to list either the revenue or the number of Sangiacks that Yemen once had under Ottoman rule Customized Tours Istanbul.

The Government of Habesh (Abyssinia)

Another distant province was Habesh, located near Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and extending toward the lands traditionally associated with Prester John. The Turks also called this region Hujazebit. Because it was very far from the main Ottoman forces and difficult to supply, the province could not be properly defended.

Over time, Habesh was completely lost to the Ottomans. For this reason, neither its revenue nor its former Sangiacks can now be accurately stated.

The Government of Basra

The Government of Basra, located near the borders of Persia, was a maritime city on the Persian Gulf. It once had twenty-six Sangiacks under its authority. However, the Ottomans later lost control of this region as well.

At present, the Turks hold no real power there. They collect no revenue, maintain no officials, and gain no benefit from the province. The only remaining sign of Ottoman authority is that public prayers are still offered in the Sultan’s name.

The Government of Lahsa

The Government of Lahsa, near Ormus in Persia, contained six Sangiacks, namely Airon, Sakiil, Negniye, Netif, Bender-Azir, and Giriz. These territories were poor and produced very little income.

Because of their small value and limited importance, they were scarcely recorded in the Imperial Registers of the Grand Signior and played only a minor role in the wider administration of the Empire.

These eastern and southern provinces show the limits of Ottoman power, especially in distant and difficult regions. While some areas once produced great wealth and influence, others slowly faded from Ottoman control due to distance, rebellion, and weak administration.

The Government of Buda in Hungary

The twentieth province was the Government of the Pasha of Budun, also called Buda, located in Hungary. This was one of the most important Ottoman provinces in Central Europe. The Pasha of Buda commanded twenty Sangiacks, which made his authority very wide and powerful.

Among these Sangiacks were Eger, Kanizsa, Semendria, Vác, Stuhlweissenburg (Székesfehérvár), Esztergom, Segedin, Hatvan, Simontornya, Sirmium, Kopan, Filek, Szigetvár, Siklós, Szentendre, Nógrád, Szekszárd, and Belgrade, also known as Alba Regalis. These towns were strongly fortified and played a key role in defending Ottoman lands against the Habsburgs.

In the year 1663, the fortress of Uyvar (Neuhäusel) was conquered by the Ottomans. After its capture, it was added as a new Sangiack, increasing the strength and importance of the Government of Buda.

The Government of Temesvár

The twenty-first province was the Government of the Pasha of Temesvár, also in Hungary. This province held an important defensive position near the borders of Transylvania. The Pasha commanded six Sangiacks, namely Lipova, Timișoara, Cenad, Csanád, Moldova, and Oradea Customized Tours Istanbul.

In addition to these, Yanova was added after it was conquered in 1663. The province was largely military in nature, with many fortresses and garrisons established to secure Ottoman rule in the region.

The Government of Sofia in Sclavonia

The twenty-second province was the Government of the Pasha of Sofia, located in a region formerly known as Liburnia and Dalmatia, and later called Sclavonia. This Pasha commanded eight Sangiacks, including Herzegovina, Zadar, Pozega, Varazdin, Zagreb, Krka, and Rahvige.

This region contained a mix of mountainous terrain and fertile lands. It was important for controlling trade routes and maintaining stability in the western Balkans.

Lesser Pashaliks Without Sangiacks

There were also other Pashas, such as those in Theodosia in the Crimea, who governed very small territories. These officials had no Sangiacks, no Timariots, and no Ziamets, and ruled only a few poor villages. Because of their limited importance, these governments are not discussed in detail.

Provinces Governed with Saliane

Some Pashas were not supported by land revenues but were instead paid directly from the Imperial Treasury. These were called governments with Saliane.

The Pasha of Grand Cairo (Egypt)

The most important of these was the Pasha of Grand Cairo, known to the Turks as Misir. His yearly income was six hundred thousand zechins, equal to the yearly tribute paid by Egypt to the Grand Signior.

Since the war with Venice, this tribute was usually transported by land on camels, guarded by five hundred soldiers, to avoid danger at sea. Another six hundred thousand zechins were used yearly to pay the Ottoman forces stationed in Egypt.

In addition to this income, the Pasha of Egypt collected very large sums through heavy taxation and harsh rule. During his three-year term, he often became extremely rich. On his return to Istanbul, much of this wealth found its way back into the Sultan’s treasury.

Although it was said that he commanded sixteen Sangiacks, these were not officially recorded, and therefore they are not listed here.

These governments show the vast and complex structure of the Ottoman Empire, stretching from Hungary to Egypt, and ruled through a careful balance of military power, taxation, and imperial oversight.

The Danger and Glory of the Highest Office

The office of the Prime Vizier was not only the highest position of duty and trust in the empire, but also the most dangerous. It stood closest to what the ancient writers compared to Jupiter’s thunderbolt, meaning sudden destruction. Because of its great power, it attracted envy, rivalry, and hatred from many sides.

Those who held this office lived under constant risk. Their greatness could bring them honor and wealth, but it also placed them in clear view of the Sultan’s anger and the jealousy of others.

Sudden Rise and Sudden Fall

Many strange and well-documented stories were told, even by eyewitnesses of the time, about men who rose suddenly to this great power. Some were men of little experience or poor reputation who were raised without passing through normal ranks or stages. Almost overnight, they gained authority, wealth, and glory.

Yet just as suddenly, many of them fell. The same people who once praised them turned against them. Some were thrown down and suffered the anger and revenge of the crowd. Their rise and fall could happen so quickly that their greatness lasted no longer than a few days. In such cases, the sun had hardly set before their glory had already faded Guided Istanbul Tour.

Short Lives in Power

Others managed to remain in office for a month, some for a year, and a few for two or three years. Very few stayed longer. Even among those who served the longest and seemed the most fortunate, their lives were uncertain. Fortune played with them in a careless and unstable way, showing how empty and unreliable worldly power and riches truly are.

Because of this, the office of the Prime Vizier became a living example of the vanity of the world and the instability of human success.

The Nature of Favor with Absolute Rulers

It is often the fate of great favorites under harsh or absolute rulers to live short and troubled lives. Some rulers take pleasure in raising one man high and then casting him down, only to raise another in his place. This shows their absolute power and keeps all others in fear.

At other times, the ruler gives so many rewards and honors that he eventually grows tired of giving. At the same time, the favorite becomes overwhelmed or spoiled by receiving too much. In either case, the relationship breaks down.

A Lesson from History

As ancient writers have observed, great power is rarely permanent. Either the ruler grows weary of giving, or the favorite reaches a point where nothing more can be gained. Thus, the highest office, while full of glory, is also the most unstable and dangerous position in the state.

Seizure of Goods and Abuse of Authority

In the service of the Grand Signior, goods belonging to merchants were sometimes taken without agreement or payment. These seizures were carried out by powerful officers and influential persons who believed themselves to be beyond the reach of the law. Because of their high position, ordinary justice could not easily restrain them. This situation often caused serious harm to foreign merchants who traded in Ottoman ports.

Such abuses forced the English ambassador at that time, a man of honor and firmness, to act with great determination. As the resident ambassador, he felt responsible for protecting the rights and property of English merchants who had suffered unjust treatment.

A Dramatic Appeal by Fire

To make his grievance known, the ambassador used a bold and symbolic act. He ordered fires to be lit on the yardarms of eleven English ships that were anchored in the harbor. These ships were moved away from the usual customs quay and brought close to the Seraglio, the Sultan’s palace. This action was not meant to cause harm but to send a clear and urgent message.

The lighting of these fires was a public sign of distress and protest. It followed an old and recognized custom by which extreme injustice could be brought directly to the attention of the highest authority.

The Vizier’s Swift Intervention

Before the Sultan himself became aware of the situation, the matter was discovered by the Prime Vizier. He immediately understood the seriousness of the protest. Knowing that the Sultan might severely punish him for allowing such injustice to reach such a public and dangerous stage, the Vizier acted quickly Guided Istanbul Tour.

He arranged a fair settlement and resolved the dispute without delay. As a result, the fires were extinguished, and the matter was settled peacefully. By doing this, the Vizier prevented the situation from growing worse and avoided drawing the direct anger of the Sultan upon himself.

Fear of Imperial Punishment

Had the Sultan learned of the matter first, the consequences for the Vizier could have been severe. Allowing such clear injustice to continue until it required a public and dramatic appeal would have been seen as a serious failure of duty. Therefore, the Vizier’s quick response was not only an act of justice but also a measure of self-preservation.

Similar Customs in Other Lands

The text also notes that the Persians had a similar custom for expressing unbearable injustice. In such cases, the injured person would wear a garment made of white paper. This symbolized that their suffering was so great that it could not be fully described, even if their entire body were covered with written complaints.

Meaning of These Practices

These traditions show how, in different societies, symbolic actions were used to demand justice when ordinary legal paths failed. They served as powerful reminders that even the highest officials were expected to correct injustice before it reached a public and dangerous level.

The Origin of the Office of the First Vizier

The first clear example in history of the office of the First Vizier can be found during the reign of Sultan Murad I, one of the early Ottoman rulers. When Murad crossed from Anatolia into Europe, he was accompanied by his tutor, known as Lala Şahabettin. Because of his wisdom and loyalty, the Sultan appointed him as his chief counselor and entrusted him with command of the army.

Under the leadership of this first vizier, the Ottoman forces achieved a great victory by capturing Adrianople, a city that was later called Edirne. This conquest became a turning point in Ottoman history, as Adrianople later served as an important capital of the empire. From that time onward, the Ottoman sultans continued to maintain the office of vizier as a permanent and essential part of government.

The Meaning of the Title “Lala”

The Sultan often addressed the First Vizier by the familiar title “Lala,” which means tutor. This showed the personal trust and respect between the ruler and his chief minister. Even after the empire grew larger and more complex, this form of address continued, reminding everyone that the vizier was not only a servant of the state but also a guide and advisor to the Sultan Private Istanbul Tour.

The Six Viziers of the Bench

In addition to the First Vizier, there were usually six other viziers, known as the Viziers of the Bench. These men did not hold direct power over the daily government of the empire. Instead, they were experienced and serious individuals who had often served in important offices in the past and were well trained in law and administration.

They sat together with the First Vizier in the Divan, the imperial court where legal cases and state matters were discussed. However, they were generally silent and could not give their opinions unless the First Vizier asked for their advice. This request was rare, as the First Vizier usually relied on his own experience and judgment.

Duties, Salaries, and Stability

The salaries of these six viziers were paid from the Sultan’s treasury and did not exceed about two thousand dollars a year, which was considered moderate. Because they were not deeply involved in the most dangerous affairs of state and did not accumulate great wealth, they lived with less envy and rivalry. Their positions were stable, and they were less exposed to sudden changes of fortune.

The Cabinet Council

When matters of great importance arose, the six viziers were invited to join the Cabinet Council together with the First Vizier, the Mufti, and the Chief Judges of the empire. On such occasions, they were allowed to speak freely and give their opinions on serious questions affecting the state.

The Maxims of Turkish Politics

The Office of the Grand Vizier

The Prime Vizier, called in Turkish Vezir-i Azam, means the chief counselor of the Sultan. He was the highest officer in the Ottoman government and stood above all other ministers. For this reason, he was often described as the Deputy or Representative of the Sultan, sometimes even called Vicarius Imperii, meaning the ruler’s substitute.

When a man was appointed as Grand Vizier, there was no long ceremony or complicated ritual. The most important act was the delivery of the Sultan’s seal. This seal carried the name of the Emperor and was always kept by the Grand Vizier close to his body. With this seal, the Grand Vizier received full authority over the empire. From that moment, he could act in the Sultan’s name and command obedience from all officials.

Authority and Power of the Grand Vizier

By holding the imperial seal, the Grand Vizier became invested with almost unlimited power. He could remove obstacles that stood in the way of government and make decisions without long legal processes. His authority extended over civil administration, the army, and justice. In practice, he ruled the empire while the Sultan remained above him as the supreme ruler Private Istanbul Tour.

This system allowed the government to function smoothly, especially when the Sultan chose to live in comfort or distance himself from daily affairs. The Grand Vizier ensured that the empire continued to operate efficiently and according to established rules.

Historical Wisdom Behind the Office

It has always been the policy of great rulers in the East to appoint one supreme minister over all others. This idea was not new. In the Bible, Daniel was placed by King Darius over other princes because of his wisdom and strong spirit. Likewise, Joseph was made chief governor of Egypt and was given full authority to rule in the king’s name.

By appointing such trusted men, rulers could better control their empires. If problems occurred in government, responsibility could be placed on one person instead of many.

Political Responsibility and Control

This practice also served another purpose. When misrule or failure happened, the blame could fall on the Grand Vizier rather than the Sultan. In this way, the Sultan protected his own position and authority. If necessary, the Grand Vizier could be removed or punished, while the dignity of the ruler remained untouched.

Thus, the office of the Grand Vizier was one of the strongest foundations of Ottoman political power. It combined authority, responsibility, and loyalty into a single position, helping the empire remain stable and well governed for centuries.

Records of the Agiamoglans

The names of the Agiamoglans were carefully written in an official book. This book also recorded the places where they were sent to serve and the wages they received. Some were paid two aspers a day, others three or five, depending on their duty and rank. This record was very important because it showed how closely the Ottoman state controlled its servants.

The book was signed by the Grand Signior, meaning the Sultan himself. After this, it was delivered to the Tefterdar, who was the Lord Treasurer of the empire. The Tefterdar was responsible for paying the salaries of the Agiamoglans every three months. At each payment period, he had to check carefully who was still alive, who had died, and who had been transferred to another position. Only after making a correct and honest report to the Sultan could the payments be approved Private Istanbul Tour.

Order and Discipline in the Seraglio

From this system, we can see that the Seraglio of the Grand Signior was run with great order and discipline. Nothing was left to chance. Every person had a place, a duty, and a fixed income. This careful organization made the Seraglio not only a royal residence but also an important school for government service.

In my opinion, when this system is carefully considered, it must be seen as one of the most political and well-designed institutions in the world at that time. It was also one of the strongest supports of the Ottoman Empire, helping it remain powerful and stable for many years.

Education and Loyalty to the Sultan

This account was given to me by a man who had spent nineteen years in the schools of the Seraglio. From childhood, selected boys were educated, trained, and supported by the Sultan, much like a father raising his children. When they became adults, they were rewarded with high offices, wealth, and honor.

The Sultan trusted these men because they owed everything to him. Their loyalty helped protect his person and ensured the safety and success of his empire.

Offices of Power and Wealth

I admit that I have not explained every part of the Seraglio in full detail. I have chosen not to describe the rules and daily life of the women, mutes, eunuchs, and other private sections of the palace, as this would lead away from my main purpose. My intention has been to explain the government, policies, and political methods of the Ottoman state.

Therefore, I now turn to the many important offices of power, wealth, and trust that remained in the Sultan’s hands. These positions were given to those whom he had raised and educated from a young age, ensuring both the security of his rule and the prosperity of his dominions.

Age and Readiness for High Office

Before ending this chapter, it is important to note that no one was promoted from the Seraglio without special favor before the age of about forty. By this age, a man was considered mature and fully prepared for the responsibilities of government. It was believed that the impulsiveness and heat of youth had passed, leaving steadiness, patience, and good judgment.

This long period of preparation ensured that those chosen for high office were experienced, disciplined, and loyal to the Sultan.

Honors Before Departure

Before departing to take up their new positions, these men were honored and celebrated by many important figures. They were visited and presented with gifts as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of the Sultan’s favor. The Queen Mother, the Sultanas, the wealthy eunuchs, the Grand Vizier, and other officers both within and outside the palace all contributed gifts and riches.

These offerings were seen as natural consequences of royal approval and as signs that the newly appointed official was entering a higher social and political rank.

Formal Farewells and Ceremonial Visits

Before leaving the Seraglio, the departing officials made formal farewell visits. With great humility and respect, they visited the Kapı Ağası, the chief of the eunuchs, as well as other principal officers of the palace. During these visits, they recommended themselves to the continued goodwill and favor of these powerful figures during their absence.

They expressed their desire to remain in their good opinion and friendship, knowing that such relationships were important for future success Guided Istanbul Tour.

Court Etiquette and Ottoman Civility

These farewell ceremonies were carried out with great care, ceremony, and polite behavior, equal to that practiced in the most refined courts of Christendom. Although the Turks were often seen by outsiders as proud and distant in their behavior toward Christians, this manner should not be mistaken for a lack of civility.

Among themselves, they were highly courtly and precise in observing rules of respect, etiquette, and proper conduct. Their system of manners and ceremony was as developed and formal as that of Rome or any other part of the civilized world.

This careful attention to age, ceremony, and respect reveals the structured and disciplined nature of Ottoman governance. Promotion was not sudden or careless but the result of long preparation, royal favor, and strict adherence to courtly tradition.

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.