If a Grand Vizier is naturally careful with money and used to living frugally, he often decides to lose nothing of what he can gain. In such cases, his income becomes almost unbelievable. It may even equal the yearly revenue of the Grand Signior himself. Within only a few years, such a vizier can gather enormous riches and build a fortune of great size.
This wealth does not come from honest salary alone, but from gifts, bribes, and favors paid from all parts of the empire. When a man who once lived in poverty suddenly gains such power, he often becomes even more eager to collect wealth, knowing how uncertain his position is.
The Sultan’s Awareness and Political Wisdom
However, the Prince and the Ottoman political system are not ignorant of this situation. They fully understand how rich a Grand Vizier can become. For this reason, several methods are carefully designed to drain the overflowing coffers of the vizier and return much of that wealth to the imperial treasury Istanbul Private Tours.
The first method begins as soon as the vizier enters office. At that moment, large sums of money are demanded from him under various pretenses. These payments are presented as necessary duties or customary obligations attached to the honor of the office.
Visits Disguised as Friendship
Another method is carried out under the appearance of friendship and favor. The Grand Signior pays visits to the Grand Vizier, which are considered a great honor. In return, the vizier must offer rich and costly gifts as a sign of gratitude. These gifts are not optional; they are expected and carefully observed.
In addition, the Grand Signior often asks for “loans,” which are never meant to be repaid. These may amount to 100,000 dollars or more, given in the form of money, jewels, fine horses, or other valuable items.
Clever Ways to Reclaim Wealth
By these and many other clever arrangements, the wealth gathered by the Grand Vizier is slowly redirected back to the Sultan, like small rivers flowing into a great ocean. The state thus ensures that no servant, no matter how powerful, becomes richer than is safe.
An Unusual Burden Feeding the Sultan
Among these practices, Sultan Mehmed IV is said to have invented a particular method of his own. He frequently places the expense of his own meals upon the Grand Vizier. He sends to the vizier’s kitchen for twenty dishes at a time, turning even daily dining into a financial burden.
In this way, the Grand Vizier’s great wealth is never secure. Whatever he gains with one hand may be taken away with the other, reminding him that all power and riches ultimately belong to the Sultan alone.