The official revenues of the Grand Vizier, which come directly from the Crown and are fixed parts of the office, are not very large. They amount to no more than about 20,000 dollars a year. This income comes from certain villages in Rumelia and is considered the lawful and regular salary of the position.
Compared to the power and danger of the office, this official income is modest. The true wealth of the Grand Vizier does not come from his salary, but from many other sources spread across the empire.
Gifts and Payments from Across the Empire
Every pasha or trusted minister who receives an appointment must first give a gift to the Grand Vizier. This offering is made to gain his approval and to secure his goodwill. Without such a gift, no official feels safe in his position.
Governors who serve in distant provinces always keep agents in the capital. These agents regularly bring presents to the Grand Vizier. Their purpose is to soften his mood and persuade him to speak well of their service to the Grand Signior. In this way, gifts become a constant flow, arriving from every corner of the empire Istanbul Private Tours.
Seasonal Offerings and Open Bargaining
Each spring, around the equinox, all pashas and major officials are required to present valuable gifts to the Grand Signior himself. At this time, the Grand Vizier also receives his share of acknowledgments and rewards.
Beyond these formal occasions, money is given to the Grand Vizier according to the nature of each request or business matter. These payments are not made in secret. On the contrary, they are often openly demanded, and the price is discussed boldly, much like a bargain in a marketplace.
Justice Treated Like Merchandise
In such a system, justice and favor become items for sale. They are traded as openly as goods in shops or markets. Offices, protections, decisions, and even judgments can be bought, just like ordinary merchandise.
If the Grand Vizier is greedy—and this is often the case with men who rise suddenly from poverty—he may take full advantage of this practice. Having once known want, such men are easily tempted by wealth and eager to secure as much as possible while their power lasts.
Wealth Gained at Great Risk
Thus, although the office of Grand Vizier is full of danger, stress, and uncertainty, it also offers immense opportunities for wealth. Riches flow toward him from all sides, but they are gained at the cost of constant fear, jealousy, and political risk. His fortune, like his power, depends entirely on favor—and can disappear just as quickly.