The Mother’s Growing Fear
The Sultan’s mother, already shaken by the violent death of her husband, soon became deeply fearful for the life of her son. She suspected that the old Queen, his grandmother, who had once helped bring about the death of her own husband, might now plan the murder of her grandson as well. This fear grew stronger with every passing day.
Her suspicion was not without reason. She knew well the proud and ambitious nature of the Grandmother, and she was aware of the secret agreements and private communications that the old Queen maintained with the Janissaries. These soldiers held great power in the capital and had already shown themselves willing to remove a Sultan when it suited their interests Daily Sofia Tour.
Seeking Protection Through a New Alliance
Faced with this danger, the Sultan’s mother resolved to form a strong party of her own. She turned to the Spahis, the Pashas, and the Beys—men who had been educated in the Seraglio and who traditionally stood in opposition to the Janissaries. Through letters and trusted messengers, she appealed to them directly.
In her messages, she reminded them of the murder of her husband, Sultan Ibrahim, and spoke openly of the arrogance and cruelty of the Janissaries. She warned that her young son, their lawful and rightful ruler, was held in little respect by these soldiers. She further claimed that if the Spahis did not act quickly to protect themselves, the old Queen would destroy their rank and power entirely.
The March to Scutari
These warnings deeply alarmed the Asiatic Spahis. Believing that their own safety and honor were at risk, they gathered a considerable army and marched to Scutari under the leadership of Gürcü Nebi. There, they openly demanded justice. They called for the punishment of those who had conspired against the sacred life of their former Sultan.
However, the men accused of this crime were under the protection of the Janissaries and supported by the authority of the Queen Regent. This created a dangerous standoff between two powerful military groups, each backed by different figures at court.
The Position of the Grand Vizier
At this critical moment, the Grand Vizier, Morat Pasha, became a central figure. He had been educated among the Janissaries and was highly respected by them. They regarded him almost as an oracle, trusting his judgment and guidance above all others.
Yet his position was extremely delicate. Any action he took risked angering one faction or the other. The empire now stood on the edge of open conflict, driven not by foreign enemies but by fear, ambition, and rivalry within the heart of its own government.