The dervish continued his complaint by saying that the officers responsible for public order were careless and negligent in correcting these small but harmful disorders. They were not concerned with the needs of ordinary people. Instead, they were fully occupied with enriching themselves and serving their own interests.
He said openly that if he himself were the Prime Vizier, he would make sure that there was plenty of meat in the city. Not only would there be enough supply, but meat would be available at all times of the day for anyone who needed it. He then turned to the stranger and asked what good it was for either of them to speak about these matters. What benefit, he asked, would the stranger gain by listening, and what relief could he himself expect from punishment by repeating his troubles to someone who had no power to help him?
The Sultan Reflects in Secret
After this encounter, the Grand Signior returned quietly to his palace. He thought deeply about the words spoken by the Janissaries’ cook. He considered whether the man truly possessed ability and judgment, or whether Providence had arranged this meeting for a reason. He also reflected on the fact that rulers sometimes take pleasure in raising great men from nothing, simply to show the extent of their power Customized Tours Istanbul.
Whatever his true reason, the Sultan made a sudden decision.
A Fearful Summons
He immediately sent for the dervish. When the man arrived at the palace and realized whom he had spoken to so freely in the street, he was filled with fear. Trembling, he threw himself at the Sultan’s feet. He believed that his bold words against the Vizier and the government would now cost him his life.
But the outcome was very different from what he expected.
An Astonishing Rise to Power
The Sultan kindly told him to set aside his fear. He then declared that he had decided to make him Prime Vizier, in order to test whether he could truly correct the abuses he had complained about. However, to preserve the proper order of advancement, the Sultan did not raise him at once to the highest office.
First, he made him chief of the royal chamber. The next day, he appointed him captain, then shortly afterward Aga, or General, of the Janissaries. From there, in a single step, he elevated him to the position of Grand Vizier.
A Capable and Successful Minister
Once in power, the new Vizier quickly corrected the abuses in the meat markets, just as he had promised. He ensured fair supply and proper management. More than this, he proved himself to be a wise and excellent minister of state, showing that ability and honesty could sometimes be found in the most humble positions.
A Lesson from the Story
Though such examples are rare, this story clearly shows how, in the Ottoman world, talent could rise suddenly, and how fortune could change a man’s life in a single moment.