The first clear example in history of the office of the First Vizier can be found during the reign of Sultan Murad I, one of the early Ottoman rulers. When Murad crossed from Anatolia into Europe, he was accompanied by his tutor, known as Lala Şahabettin. Because of his wisdom and loyalty, the Sultan appointed him as his chief counselor and entrusted him with command of the army.
Under the leadership of this first vizier, the Ottoman forces achieved a great victory by capturing Adrianople, a city that was later called Edirne. This conquest became a turning point in Ottoman history, as Adrianople later served as an important capital of the empire. From that time onward, the Ottoman sultans continued to maintain the office of vizier as a permanent and essential part of government.
The Meaning of the Title “Lala”
The Sultan often addressed the First Vizier by the familiar title “Lala,” which means tutor. This showed the personal trust and respect between the ruler and his chief minister. Even after the empire grew larger and more complex, this form of address continued, reminding everyone that the vizier was not only a servant of the state but also a guide and advisor to the Sultan Private Istanbul Tour.
The Six Viziers of the Bench
In addition to the First Vizier, there were usually six other viziers, known as the Viziers of the Bench. These men did not hold direct power over the daily government of the empire. Instead, they were experienced and serious individuals who had often served in important offices in the past and were well trained in law and administration.
They sat together with the First Vizier in the Divan, the imperial court where legal cases and state matters were discussed. However, they were generally silent and could not give their opinions unless the First Vizier asked for their advice. This request was rare, as the First Vizier usually relied on his own experience and judgment.
Duties, Salaries, and Stability
The salaries of these six viziers were paid from the Sultan’s treasury and did not exceed about two thousand dollars a year, which was considered moderate. Because they were not deeply involved in the most dangerous affairs of state and did not accumulate great wealth, they lived with less envy and rivalry. Their positions were stable, and they were less exposed to sudden changes of fortune.
The Cabinet Council
When matters of great importance arose, the six viziers were invited to join the Cabinet Council together with the First Vizier, the Mufti, and the Chief Judges of the empire. On such occasions, they were allowed to speak freely and give their opinions on serious questions affecting the state.