These officers described above are the principal and senior officers among the White Eunuchs of the Seraglio. Besides them, there are many others of lower rank who belong to the common service of the court. Their number is usually around fifty. These men receive a regular daily pay, commonly about twelve aspers a day. Their income may also be increased through charitable foundations or legacies left by former officers who had served in the palace.
Some of the White Eunuchs serve as curates or attendants in the royal mosques. Those who hold several religious posts of this kind may enjoy a very large income, sometimes amounting to the value of one hundred chequins a day. Even among these servants, strict order and discipline are observed. Younger eunuchs always show respect and obedience to those who are older or have served longer in the Seraglio. Seniority is greatly valued, and advancement is guided by age, experience, and faithful service Guided Tours Istanbul.
The Role of the Black Eunuchs
The Black Eunuchs are appointed specifically for the service of the women of the Seraglio, just as the White Eunuchs attend the person of the Grand Signior. It was believed that this arrangement provided greater security and separation between the male and female quarters of the palace.
The Black Eunuchs were chosen with particular care. They were not only castrated but also selected from distant regions, mainly Africa, and were chosen to be unfamiliar to the society of the empire. This was intended to remove personal ties and prevent influence from outside families or factions. Their appearance and condition were meant to discourage improper familiarity and to ensure absolute loyalty to the court.
Chief Officers Among the Black Eunuchs
The highest-ranking officer among the Black Eunuchs is the Kızlar Ağa, or Master of the Maids. He has supreme authority over the women of the Seraglio and holds one of the most powerful positions in the palace.
Next is the Valide Ağa, who serves the Queen Mother. Because of her influence over the Sultan, the Queen Mother often held great power, and her chief eunuch was therefore highly respected.
Another important officer is the Şehzadeler Ağa, who is responsible for the care and custody of the royal princes. At the time described, three sons of Sultan Ibrahim were under his supervision: Süleyman, on whom many placed their hopes, and his brothers Bayezid and Orhan. The mother of the latter two was still alive but confined to the Old Seraglio in Constantinople, a residence for former wives and concubines of deceased sultans. From that place, women rarely returned to public life unless one of their sons became emperor.
Order and Control Within the Seraglio
Through this carefully arranged hierarchy, the Ottoman court maintained strict order, discipline, and separation of duties. Both White and Black Eunuchs played essential roles in preserving the structure and authority of the imperial household.