A Cold and Calculated Reception
When the Grand Vizier arrived at the mosque, Bektas Aga did not come forward to meet him in person. Instead, he sent another officer to perform that duty. This neglect deeply offended the Vizier, and his proud spirit could hardly endure such an insult. Yet he restrained his anger, knowing that open resentment would place his life in danger.
Suppressing his emotions, the Vizier approached Bektas Aga and bowed at his feet. Bektas barely rose to acknowledge him and offered only a faint and careless welcome. He then seated the Vizier on his left side, which among the Turkish soldiers is considered the place of honor. This gesture was meant to flatter and disarm him, even while asserting control.
Dangerous Proposals Revealed
Bektas then openly explained the new plans of the Janissary faction. First, he declared that it was necessary to depose the current Sultan and place Prince Suleiman on the throne instead. Second, he demanded that the rules and customs of the Imperial Seraglio be reformed. Finally, he proposed a radical change: that the children gathered each year from many nations to serve the Sultan should no longer be admitted, and that only the sons of Janissaries should be allowed into imperial service in the future.
These proposals were bold, treasonous, and dangerous. Yet the Vizier showed no sign of resistance.
A False Oath of Loyalty
The Vizier agreed to everything that was proposed. He professed sincere affection for Bektas and his party and declared his full support for their cause. To strengthen this deception, he swore a solemn oath upon the Quran, calling terrible curses upon himself and his family if he were not faithful to their plans Tours Sofia.
This performance completely satisfied Bektas. He convinced himself that the Vizier was truly loyal and deeply committed to the Janissary cause. Trusting both this oath and his own power, and believing the Vizier incapable of harming him, Bektas dismissed the assembly and ended the confused and disorderly council, known as the Kalaba Divan.
A Fatal Mistake
However, not all were so easily deceived. Chiachia Bey, the Lieutenant General of the Janissaries, along with Kara Chiaus, strongly criticized Bektas for allowing the Vizier to leave alive. They accused him of grave negligence, warning that he had foolishly allowed a dangerous enemy to escape.
They compared the Vizier to a captured bird released from its cage, now free to fly away and soon return with deadly consequences. In their judgment, sparing the Vizier would prove to be a fatal error—one that would soon bring ruin upon those who believed they had secured his loyalty.