Early in the morning, the bridegroom was called by his friends to go to the bath. This was part of the wedding custom. When he rose from the bridal chamber, the Sultana presented him with fine linen garments to use for bathing. These clothes were a sign of honor and generosity from the bride.
After these ceremonies were completed, the husband and wife became more familiar with one another. However, even though they were now married, the Sultana continued to behave with dignity and distance in public. She did not treat her husband as an equal before others.
The Superiority of the Sultana
In public, the Sultana kept a clear distance between herself and her husband. She often wore her dagger at her side as a symbol of her royal authority and superiority. This showed that she remained a princess of the Ottoman dynasty and that her noble birth placed her above her husband in rank Customized Round Turkey Tours.
She also frequently requested expensive gifts, jewels, and money from him. As a result, many of these Pashas gradually lost much of their wealth. What seemed at first to be a great honor—marrying into the royal family—often became a heavy financial and emotional burden.
Marriage and Political Danger
The difficulties did not end with financial demands. These royal sons-in-law were often placed in dangerous military positions. They were sent on difficult campaigns or risky missions. In this way, they faced constant danger.
One example was Ismail Pasha, who was killed while crossing the River Raab during a defeat of the Ottoman army by imperial forces under the command of Raimondo Montecuccoli. Such events were not rare. Other royal sons-in-law also lost their lives in similar circumstances.
These assignments were not always accidental. The Ottoman government did not want these men to become too proud because of their marriage into the ruling family. Without hardships and risks, they might begin to imagine themselves equal to the Sultan or dream of greater power.
A System of Control
Through these customs, the Ottoman state carefully controlled even its closest relatives. Marriage to a Sultana brought honor, but it also brought strict limits, heavy expenses, and serious dangers. The system ensured that no man, even one connected to the royal family, could grow too powerful or ambitious.
In this way, the authority of the Sultan remained supreme. Honor was given, but independence was reduced. Prestige was offered, but freedom was limited. This balance helped protect the stability of the empire and prevented rival claims to power.