Songs About a Famous Jewish Figure
While staying in the town, I heard several Turkish songs sung by the people. Among these, some were about Sakata Sevi, a well-known Jewish figure who had caused great excitement and controversy across many countries. His name had spread widely, and stories about him were still fresh in people’s minds The Sultana and Her Journey.
The songs told how Cussum Pasha dealt with him so firmly that Sakata Sevi was forced to abandon his former claims and accept Islam. These songs were sung openly and seemed to entertain the listeners, showing how such events became part of popular culture and memory. The story was widely known and often repeated in conversation and music.
Cussum Pasha and His Reputation
Cussum Pasha was greatly respected among the Turks. He was praised not only for his authority but also for his knowledge and practice of medicine. This skill was especially valued, as medical science was not very common or advanced among the Turks at that time.
At the period described, Cussum Pasha served as the governor of Erzurum in Asia. He was married to one of the Grand Signior’s sisters and lived with her in honor and comfort. Earlier in his career, he had been the governor of Buda, which made him well known to the Germans and other Europeans. His long service and varied experience gave him a strong reputation throughout the empire Private Sofia Tour.
A French Book and Another Impostor
During my stay, I also came across a French book that spoke about Michael Cigala, another impostor who had managed to deceive powerful rulers. According to the book, he had fooled the Emperor, the King of France, and several other Christian princes.
The interpreter of the Emperor’s resident told me that the Turks found this story very amusing. They laughed at how easily great rulers could be deceived. He also informed me that Michael Cigala was Greek by birth and not a Wallachian, as some had claimed. This detail was important to those who enjoyed debating his true origins.
Silence About Padre Ottomano
I also tried to learn more about Padre Ottomano, who was believed by some to be the brother of the Grand Signior. At that time, he was living as a Dominican friar. I had personally seen him earlier in Turin, but during my stay here, I could find no information about him. No one seemed willing or able to speak of his situation, and the matter remained unclear.
Soldiers, Horses, and Camels in the City
The city and its surrounding areas were crowded with military forces. There were many thousands of soldiers and horses stationed in and around the town. In addition to these, there were about five thousand camels used for the service of the Grand Signior.
These camels were of many different sizes and ages. The humps on their backs varied in shape, and their colors showed much variety as well. Some were light, others dark, and some mixed in pattern.
A Peaceful and Unusual Sight
What pleased me most was watching the camels as they were led past my lodging toward the river to drink. They walked softly and made very little noise, despite their large size. Their calm movement and orderly progress created a peaceful and unusual sight.
Seeing so many camels together, moving quietly through the city, gave a strong impression of the scale and organization of the Sultan’s household. It was a scene both curious and pleasing, and one that remained clearly in my memory long after.
