Preparing for the Festival
The writer continues his description of the Bayram celebrations by explaining the ceremonies held inside the Ottoman imperial palace, known as the Seraglio (today called Topkapı Palace). On the evening before Bayram, an important area near the residence of the Kapı Ağası, the Chief White Eunuch who supervised the palace pages, was richly decorated for the occasion.
According to the author, expensive carpets, cushions, and other fine furnishings were arranged throughout the entrance hall. These decorations reflected the wealth and dignity of the Ottoman court and helped prepare the palace for one of its most important religious celebrations Kukeri Carnival.
Several hours before sunrise, the highest officials of the empire who were in Constantinople (modern Istanbul) gathered inside the palace. They arrived early so that everything would be ready before the Sultan appeared.
The Sultan’s Morning Prayer
At daybreak, the Ottoman Sultan mounted his horse and rode through the assembled officials. They stood respectfully as he passed on his way to the great Hagia Sophia Mosque, where he performed the special morning prayer for Bayram.
After completing the prayer, the Sultan returned to the palace. His journey to and from the mosque was not only a religious duty but also an important public ceremony that displayed both his authority as ruler and his devotion as a Muslim.
The Ceremony in the Throne Room
When the Sultan returned, he entered the Has Oda, or Royal Chamber, and took his place on the imperial throne. Beside him stood the Kapı Ağası, the chief officer responsible for the palace pages and many of the inner palace duties.
The ceremony then began with carefully arranged greetings from important guests. The first to approach were the sons of the Crimean Tatar Khan, who stayed at the Ottoman court as honored hostages. Their presence helped strengthen the political relationship between the Ottoman Empire and the Crimean Khanate.
According to the writer, the Sultan showed them special honor by taking a few steps forward to greet them. They bowed deeply before him and offered a traditional greeting, wishing him a happy festival. They then kissed his hand as a sign of respect before quietly leaving the audience.
Greetings from the Grand Vizier
The next official to approach the Sultan was the Grand Vizier, the highest-ranking government minister in the Ottoman Empire. He stood before the Sultan while the other governors, military commanders, and senior officials watched the ceremony.
The Grand Vizier knelt respectfully on one knee and offered his congratulations for the Bayram festival. After moving closer, he kissed the Sultan’s hand, showing his loyalty and respect. When the greeting was finished, he stood and took his place beside the Kapı Ağası, allowing the next officials to continue the ceremony.
The Meaning of the Ceremony
The writer was impressed by the careful order of these palace ceremonies. Every person knew exactly when to enter, where to stand, and how to greet the Sultan. Even the smallest movements followed long-established traditions. These formal ceremonies demonstrated the discipline, organization, and respect that characterized the Ottoman imperial court.