Fearing that the jewels he had taken were meant to be worn only by the Grand Signior, Ali Bojiangi decided it was safer not to keep them. Troubled in his mind, he went directly to Solyman Aga and delivered the diamonds and rubies into his hands. In return for this act, Solyman Aga rewarded him with sixteen gold zecchins, which Ali accepted with gratitude.
Not satisfied with this reward alone, Ali also asked to be allowed entry into the Treasury Chamber, hoping to improve his fortune further. His request was granted, and thus his obedience was repaid with privilege and access to greater wealth Private Ephesus Tours.
The Queen’s Rich Garments
Meanwhile, others continued to strip the Old Queen of her possessions. Some pulled her by the hands, others by the feet. Several tore open her clothing in search of hidden riches. She was dressed entirely in garments of great value, with precious items sewn into the fabric. Her sable furs, in particular, were filled with costly objects concealed within their lining.
Among these items were strange objects believed to be magic charms and spells. The Queen believed that these charms had the power to bind the tongues and wills of the emperors who ruled during her lifetime. Whether these spells held any true power or not, many feared them, for superstition was strong within the court.
A Superstitious Favorite of the Sultan
The man who told me this story claimed that he had personally seen a remarkable lock among these magical objects. It was finely crafted and engraved with the names Murad and Sultan Ibrahim. This lock had been made by a well-known jindji, or sorcerer. Though this man was ignorant and poorly educated, he was extremely superstitious, clever, and dishonest.
Through lies, tricks, and false promises, this man gained access to the royal court. In a short time, he became a chief favorite of Sultan Ibrahim. He had once been a poor religious student, known among the Turks as a Sofia. Yet within only two years, he grew immensely wealthy.
Sudden Wealth and Dangerous Influence
So great was his rise that no one in Constantinople could compare with him in riches. His story serves as a clear example of how superstition, deception, and blind trust could lift an unworthy man to great power—and how dangerous such influence could become within the palace.