The Prime Vizier held authority almost as wide as that of the Sultan who granted it to him. In most matters of government, his power was complete and unquestioned. However, there were a few important limits. Even though he was considered the elder brother of all pashas, he could not order the execution of any of them without the imperial signature or the direct handwritten command of the Grand Signior.
In the same way, the Prime Vizier could not personally punish a Sipahi, a Janissary, or any other soldier. Discipline within the army was handled only through their own commanders. This privilege was carefully protected by the military, as it shielded soldiers from unfair treatment and abuse by civil authorities.
Apart from these limits, the Prime Vizier was almost absolute in his authority. His influence over the Sultan was so strong that if he decided an officer of the empire should be removed or punished, he could usually obtain the Sultan’s written approval very quickly. In practice, his judgment often became law.
Control of Petitions and Complaints
All petitions, requests, and official complaints, no matter how small or large, were required to pass first through the hands of the Prime Vizier. This rule ensured that he remained fully informed about the affairs of the empire and could control the flow of information reaching the Sultan Guided Istanbul Tour.
However, an ancient custom allowed an exception. If a person had suffered a serious injustice, and especially if the Prime Vizier himself was involved or had refused to give justice, the injured party was allowed to appeal directly to the Sultan.
Appeal by Fire An Ancient Custom
In such extreme cases, the wronged person would place fire upon his head and run into the Seraglio. No one was allowed to stop him until he reached the presence of the Sultan. There, he was permitted to speak freely and explain his grievance. This dramatic act showed desperation and ensured that the ruler would hear the complaint.
A Foreign Example of the Same Practice
A similar action was once taken by Sir Thomas Bendish, the English ambassador at Constantinople. When English merchants’ goods were violently seized upon arrival at the port, he ordered pots of fire to be placed on the yardarms of English ships anchored near the Seraglio. This bold act was meant to force attention and protest injustice, following the same principle of appealing directly to supreme authority.
Justice and Authority in the Ottoman System
These customs reveal an important balance in the Ottoman system. While the Prime Vizier possessed immense power, there remained a final path to justice through the Sultan himself. This ensured that even the highest officials could be challenged in extreme cases, preserving a sense of order and fairness within the empire.