All of this was done in a single moment, without delay. The officer in question was immediately removed from his post, and another man was appointed in his place. At the same time, the Oath of Allegiance was administered to the new officer. He swore loyalty to the Grand Signior and promised faithful service.
After this, he gathered together the gardeners of the palace, who numbered about five hundred men. He required all of them to swear obedience to the Grand Signior as well. They were ordered to remain on duty throughout the entire night, carefully guarding the gates and walls of the royal gardens, so that no enemy might enter or escape Ephesus Sightseeing.
Calling the Ichoglans into Service
Next, the officials turned their attention to the Ichoglans, who were the pages and young attendants of the Grand Signior. In order to act with privacy and avoid confusion, they proceeded quietly to the chamber of the Capa Aga, whose office gave him authority over all the youth of the Seraglio.
They knocked gently at his window. Hearing the noise, the guards approached and asked what was the matter. The visitors replied that the Capa Aga must be awakened and asked to speak with them at the window.
However, the Capa Aga first demanded to know who was speaking to him. When he was informed that it was the Vizier and the Kushir Aga, he replied that he was unwell and unable to rise from his bed. He asked them instead to speak to him through the window.
Suspicion and the Truth Revealed
They then told him that, by order of His Majesty, he was required to rise at once and awaken all the Ichoglans in the Seraglio, as an important matter demanded their presence. Still, the Capa Aga did not move. Because of this delay, some suspected that he might be involved in the conspiracy that threatened the Sultan.
Yet this suspicion was unfounded. The truth was that the Capa Aga was a very old man, nearly ninety years of age, and his body was weak and unhealthy. His refusal did not come from disloyalty, but from physical inability.
Solyman Aga Takes Command
Seeing the danger of further delay, Solyman Aga raised his voice loudly and cried out, commanding him directly: “Aga, raise the Ichoglans!” This firm order made clear that the safety of the Grand Signior required immediate action, and that hesitation could no longer be tolerated.
Thus, discipline was restored, and the servants of the palace were brought under control at a moment when loyalty and swift obedience were most needed.