Janissary Doubts and False Promises
The Janissaries were openly opposed to the new Grand Vizier, knowing well that he did not favor their faction. Still, because of the unstable state of the empire, they chose to act with caution. Instead of resisting him openly, they attempted to win him over with polite words and fair promises, hoping to draw him into their party and weaken his resolve.
At the same time, the Old Queen secretly wrote letters to Bektas Aga. In these messages, she informed him of everything that was discussed within the Seraglio. She accused the Young Queen, the Sultan’s mother, of being the true cause of all recent unrest and disorder. According to her, the only remedy for these troubles was the removal of Sultan Mehmed from the throne.
A Dangerous Plan of Deposition
The Old Queen proposed that the young Sultan should be deposed and replaced by his younger brother, Suleiman. She argued that Suleiman, having a living mother, would be entirely guided and controlled by her authority. She also described him as a strong, healthy, and majestic youth, better suited for kingship, while she portrayed Sultan Mehmed as thin, weak, and unfit to carry the burdens of rule.
Encouraged by these arguments, Bektas Aga called a great council at the Orta Camii, the Janissaries’ mosque. This gathering was large and solemn, attended by many soldiers and by religious lawyers, who held spiritual authority among the Turks. Some came out of loyalty to the Janissaries, others from fear of their power Tours Sofia.
The Vizier Summoned at Night
Only one important figure was absent: the Grand Vizier. Believing he might be persuaded to join their cause, the council sent messengers to invite him. Yet there was another darker purpose. If he opposed their plans, they intended not to allow him to leave the council alive.
The message reached the Grand Vizier late at night, around two hours after sunset. Although it was against the dignity and custom of his office to go anywhere except to his sovereign, he understood the danger of refusal. He decided to hide his true thoughts, suppress his pride, and go forward with caution.
A Walk into Great Danger
Accompanied by only a small private guard, the Vizier went to the mosque. At the entrance, he encountered a terrifying sight: a guard of ten thousand Janissaries, all armed with muskets, their burning matches lit and ready. The sight struck fear into his heart, and for a moment he considered turning back.
But regaining his courage, and knowing that retreat might be taken as a sign of guilt or weakness, he resolved to proceed forward, placing his fate in the hands of prudence and resolve.