“O brave man, be not cruel to me,” the Old Queen cried out in a trembling voice. She begged for her life and promised a great reward if they would spare her. She swore that she would give five purses of gold to every Ichoglan, each purse containing five hundred dollars, if only they would protect her and let her live.
Her words were filled with fear and desperation, for she knew that her life was now in the hands of men who showed no mercy.
Rejection of the Bribe
But her offer was sharply refused. “This is not the time for ransom, traitor,” one of them replied harshly. Without hesitation, he seized her by the feet and dragged her forcefully from her hiding place. The Queen struggled to rise, her strength already failing Private Ephesus Tours.
In a last attempt to save herself, she reached into her pocket and threw handfuls of gold coins onto the floor. She hoped that while the young men bent down to collect the money, she might find a chance to escape.
Desperate Struggle and Capture
Some of the men did indeed stop to gather the gold, but Deli Dogangi, who led the attack, did not loosen his grip. Like a hunting dog that never releases its prey, he held fast to her. Though the Queen was heavy and resisted fiercely, he finally threw her down with great force.
Others then joined in the assault. Among them was an Albanian named Ali Bojiangi, whose eyes were drawn to the jewels hanging from her ears. Without pity, he grabbed them and tore them away violently.
The Priceless Jewels
The earrings were of extraordinary value. Each one held a diamond as large as a chestnut, cut with sharp angles. Beneath each diamond was a ruby, placed there to enhance its brilliance. These jewels had been given to the Queen long ago by Sultan Ahmed, during the height of her power and when she enjoyed his greatest favor.
It was said that no such jewels could be found in the entire treasury of the Ottoman Empire. Skilled jewelers valued them at the revenue of Cairo for an entire year.
Fear After the Crime
Ali Bojiangi showed the jewels to one of his companions and asked his advice—whether they should be hidden or revealed. When his companion confirmed their immense value, Ali was struck with fear. From that moment on, he could neither sleep by day nor rest by night, always haunted by the thought that the jewels might be discovered and bring his own destruction.