This action restrained the boldness of some who had been ready to lay violent hands upon the woman. Yet the crowd remained restless and dangerous. Their anger had not cooled, and their desire for action could not be satisfied easily.
The Mufti, observing the behavior of the mob and sensing their fierce determination, grew deeply afraid. He feared that if he refused to agree with them, his own life would be in danger. His fear increased when he overheard old Kenan Pasha speaking privately with the Vizier, both suggesting that resistance would only lead to greater bloodshed Private Ephesus Tours.
Fear Among the Ministers
Seeing how matters stood, the Mufti consulted quietly with the other chief ministers. All agreed that delay would only make the situation worse. The mob could not be restrained much longer, and the safety of the Sultan himself was at risk.
At last, it was resolved that they should appeal directly to His Majesty and ask for his consent. Though this request was painful and heavy with consequence, they believed there was no other choice.
The Appeal to the Sultan
The ministers spoke to the young Sultan with great care and humility, saying:
“Sir, it is the will of God that you commit your Grandmother into the hands of justice, if you wish these mutinies to be calmed. A small evil is better than a greater one. There is no other remedy. God willing, the end shall be prosperous.”
These words were spoken gently, yet carried great weight. The Sultan, young and frightened, was placed under terrible pressure.
The Fatal Order Is Written
Pen and ink were brought forward. The Mufti wrote the sentence, and the Grand Signior signed it. The order declared that the Old Queen was to be strangled, but that she must not be wounded by a sword nor beaten with blows, according to custom.
The written sentence was then placed into the hands of one of the Chamberlains. He was instructed verbally to lead the Queen out through Cushana, also known as the Gate of the Birds, so that her death would not take place within the sight or hearing of the Sultan.
The Crowd Takes Action
The Ichoglans, lifting the royal command high in their hands, marched out of the Presence Chamber. As they went, they raised a loud shout, crying triumphantly, their voices echoing through the palace halls.
Though the order had been given, the weight of what had been done hung heavily over the court. What was meant to restore peace would leave a mark on the empire that could never be erased.