Inside the Seraglio, everything was now brought into good order. After the morning prayers were finished, the Baltagees—a special guard who carried poleaxes—were summoned. These guards then called upon the Pages to join them and accompany them to the Presence Chamber, where the Sultan usually appeared in public.
The Baltagees numbered about two hundred men. They were known for their great strength, tall stature, and quick movement. At their signal, the Pages ran eagerly and without hesitation toward the door of the Chamber. Their behavior showed both loyalty and urgency, for they believed that the safety of the King depended upon swift action Private Tour Ephesus.
Resistance at the Chamber Door
When they reached the door, however, they were stopped by the Master of the Chamber, an elderly eunuch. This man was known to be loyal to the Old Queen and strongly devoted to her interests. Hoping to protect her person, he sharply rebuked the group. He accused them of rudeness and insolence, asking why they dared to approach the royal lodgings in such a loud and disorderly manner.
The Pages and guards answered with one voice. They declared that they demanded to speak directly to His Majesty. They further stated that they wished the Old Queen, whom they accused of being an enemy of the King and of the Muslim faith, to be put to death. These bold words deeply angered the eunuch.
Rising Anger and Dangerous Words
Relying on his authority and position, the Master of the Chamber scolded them fiercely. He called them rebels and traitors, accusing them of disrespect toward their sovereign. “What business have you with the Queen?” he cried. “Are you worthy even to speak her noble name?”
As he continued speaking in this harsh manner, the crowd grew more restless. One man among them shouted out in rage, calling the eunuch a traitor to the faith and demanding his death as well. Tensions rose quickly, and violence seemed close at hand.
At that moment, one man raised his hand as if to strike the eunuch. The air was filled with anger and confusion, and it became clear that only firm authority could prevent bloodshed within the very heart of the Seraglio.