Organizing the Pilgrimage
The writer explains that the annual pilgrimage to Mecca involved many thousands of people. Because such a large group traveled together, careful planning and strong leadership were necessary. According to the passage, the Ottoman Sultan appointed a chief official to organize and supervise the pilgrims during their journey.
The author calls this official the Sur Emini. His responsibility was to manage the pilgrimage caravan, protect the valuable gifts being carried, and help ensure that the long journey was completed safely. Leading such a large caravan across deserts and distant lands required experience, organization, and cooperation Kukeri Carnival.
Gifts from the Ottoman Sultan
The passage says that each year the Ottoman Sultan sent valuable gifts to the Holy City of Mecca. Among these gifts were several hundred gold coins, a beautifully decorated copy of the Quran covered with gold, and a large amount of black cloth.
The black cloth was intended for the covering of the Kaaba, the sacred building at the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca. During the Ottoman period, providing this cloth was considered a great honor and showed the Sultan’s respect for Islam’s holiest place. The annual gifts also demonstrated the Ottoman Empire’s role as one of the leading Muslim powers of the time.
The Old Covering of the Kaaba
The writer explains that when the new covering was placed over the Kaaba, the old one was removed. According to his account, many pilgrims tried to obtain small pieces of the old cloth. They treasured these pieces as reminders of their pilgrimage and kept them as special souvenirs of their visit to the Holy City.
The author says that some pilgrims believed these pieces of cloth helped them remember their journey and their religious experience. His description reflects the customs that some travelers reported during that period, although practices varied over time.
The Honored Camel
One of the most interesting parts of the passage concerns the camel that carried the decorated copy of the Quran during the journey. According to the writer, when the caravan returned home, the camel was welcomed with celebration. It was decorated with flowers and colorful ornaments to honor its role in the pilgrimage.
The author also states that the camel was never required to work again after completing this sacred journey. It was excused from carrying heavy loads because people believed it had performed an honorable service connected with one of Islam’s holiest traditions. Whether this custom was practiced everywhere is uncertain, but it illustrates the respect shown for objects and animals associated with the pilgrimage.
A Historical Note
Some details in this passage reflect the observations of European travelers and writers of the seventeenth century. While the Ottoman Sultans did send gifts and coverings for the Kaaba, certain descriptions, such as how widely pieces of the old covering were distributed or the treatment of the camel, may have varied over time and should be understood as historical reports rather than universal Islamic practices.