Advice from the Inner Circle
During this dangerous moment, the Grand Signior received urgent advice from two powerful figures within the palace. One was the Kapı Ağa, the chief officer of the inner court, and the other was Süleyman Ağa, the Kızlar Ağa, or chief eunuch of the women’s quarters. They strongly urged the Sultan to seize this favorable moment to destroy Bektas Aga and his accomplices, whose corruption and arrogance had brought the empire close to ruin.
However, fear and excessive caution delayed this plan. The Sultan hesitated, worried about the strength of the Janissaries and the possible consequences of open confrontation. Instead of acting decisively, the court chose a lesser measure to calm the angry crowd.
The Fall of the Grand Vizier
To satisfy public anger, it was decided that Mecca Ahmet Pasha, who was then Grand Vizier, should be removed from office. Although he held the highest post in government, he was widely known to be submissive to the Janissaries and unwilling to oppose their abuses. His dismissal was carried out immediately, and the imperial seal was taken from him Tours Sofia.
The seal was then given to Siyavuş Pasha, a man known for courage, strength, and military skill. His appointment raised hope among those who wished to restore order and discipline to the state.
A Vizier Under Threat
Siyavuş Pasha was deeply aware of the dangers surrounding his new position. He feared not only for the empire but also for his own life. He remembered the fate of Murad Pasha, one of his predecessors, who had nearly been killed for disagreeing with Bektas Aga and had escaped only by fleeing to Greece.
Determined not to suffer the same fate, Siyavuş Pasha carefully planned how to curb the growing power of Bektas and his supporters.
Growing Disorder in the City
The situation in Constantinople remained tense and dangerous. Janissaries patrolled the streets, refusing to allow even two citizens to walk together, fearing secret meetings and conspiracies. Many craftsmen and tradesmen, accused of leading the recent uprising, were imprisoned without the consent or approval of the new Grand Vizier.
Within the palace itself, divisions deepened. One faction supported the Sultan and sought to eliminate the rebellious Janissary leaders. A plan was made to assassinate Kul Kiahya, the Janissary lieutenant, as he entered the Divan the following day. However, the Old Queen, belonging to the opposing faction, threatened and intimidated the officer assigned to carry out the act, causing the plan to fail.
Rival Queens and Rising Tension
The two queens became bitter enemies. The Sultan’s mother fought to protect her son’s authority, while the Grandmother Queen sought to preserve her own power. As their rivalry intensified, confusion spread throughout the city. Meanwhile, the Janissaries grew uneasy with the appointment of Siyavuş Pasha, knowing well that he was firmly opposed to their lawlessness and excesses.