The Sultana’s Background and Condition
The Sultana was greatly loved by the Sultan. She was of Cretan origin by birth, small in stature, and her face bore marks of the smallpox she had suffered earlier in life. At the time described, she was with child. Because of her condition, special care was taken for her comfort and safety Sofia Guided Tours.
She was preparing to travel to Monastir, a large and pleasant town in Macedonia, where she intended to give birth. This town lay along the route that we ourselves were to travel, and therefore her journey became a great convenience for us as well.
Roads and Preparations for the Royal Journey
In preparation for the Sultana’s journey, great efforts were made throughout the countryside. The highways were leveled and cleared, hills were made passable, and wide roads were constructed. Bridges were also built over rivers where none had existed before.
All of this required enormous labor from the local inhabitants. Despite the heavy burden placed upon them, the people did not openly resist these demands. Such work was considered a duty when it concerned members of the imperial household. The improvements to the roads benefited not only the Sultana but also travelers who followed afterward.
Fear and Return of the Local Population
At the first approach of the Grand Signior, many Greek inhabitants fled from their homes. They feared both the Sultan and the large number of attendants who traveled with him. These people left their villages and sought safety elsewhere, abandoning their homes to the Turks.
However, the Sultan did not approve of this fear-driven flight. By his direct command, the Greeks were ordered to return to their homes. This shows that he preferred order and stability over panic and empty settlements. His authority was strong enough to bring people back, and his word was obeyed The Person and Appearance of the Grand Signior.
The Sultan’s Young Son
The Grand Signior’s son was also present with him during this time. The boy was about six years old. His presence showed the importance of family within the imperial household and also suggested that the Sultan wished his son to be seen by the people at an early age.
This public appearance may have been intended to familiarize the population with the future heir and to strengthen loyalty toward the ruling family.
Visit to the Chaymacham’s House
I went together with Osman Chiaus to visit the house of the Chaymacham, who was acting as deputy to the Grand Vizier. The house was impressive, but my main reason for going was to hear the music that was said to be the finest in all of Turkey.
The Chaymacham was known for maintaining a high standard of music in his household, and his musicians were widely praised.
The Powerful Music of the Court
At the Chaymacham’s residence, I heard the loudest music I had ever encountered. Despite its great volume, it was not unpleasant. Ten men played together at the same time in a large, open, and elevated room.
They used large wind instruments, which produced strong and commanding sounds. This music was performed at certain fixed hours of the day and never missed its appointed time. The sound carried far and wide, filling the air and announcing the presence of authority and order.
Daily Life and Ceremony
This music was not merely entertainment. It was part of daily routine and ceremony, marking time and reinforcing discipline within the household. Such displays of sound and structure reflected the power and organization of Ottoman governance.
Together, the journey of the Sultana, the labor of the people, the presence of the Sultan’s family, and the disciplined performance of music all show how deeply ceremony, authority, and daily life were connected in this period of Ottoman rule.
