According to Ottoman political thought, the only likely way for a weak or unstable Prime Vizier to protect himself was to turn the attention of the Sultan and other powerful men toward a foreign war. Peace, it was believed, often spoiled men’s character. During peaceful times, people turned their energy inward, creating conflicts, rivalries, and secret plots within the state.
War, on the other hand, kept ambitious minds busy. It directed their desire for honor and fame toward military action. When men were focused on campaigns and victories, they had less time to plan treachery or political conspiracies at home. In this way, war was seen as a tool to preserve internal stability Customized Tours Istanbul.
The Example of Köprülü and His Son
It is possible that Ahmed, the son of Köprülü, followed this principle when he began the last war with Germany. Observers of his rule noted that in many matters of government, he followed the same methods and policies that his father had taught him. These rules were passed down to him not only as political advice, but almost as an inheritance.
Thus, war was not always started from ambition alone, but sometimes from fear—fear of internal danger, rebellion, or loss of favor at court.
Long Service Despite Constant Danger
Despite the unstable nature of the office, history records a few Prime Viziers who managed to hold power for as long as nineteen years. After long service, heavy responsibility, and endless worry, some even left office only by natural death.
This raises an important question: does a vizier rise or fall because of destiny and fortune, fixed at birth, or can human wisdom and careful planning create a safe path between stubborn resistance and dishonest flattery?
Fate or Wise Counsel?
Some thinkers believed that a careful balance was possible. A vizier might avoid danger by neither opposing the Sultan too boldly nor flattering him shamefully. Such a path, free from ambition and risk, was ideal—but extremely rare.
In practice, few men succeeded this way. If a vizier was evil, his cruelty and greed often brought about his fall. If he was good, his success could be just as dangerous. Great service sometimes made a ruler uncomfortable, especially when the rewards owed to such service were too large or difficult to repay.
The Paradox of Merit
History shows a tragic truth: great benefits often led not to gratitude, but to resentment. When a servant achieved too much, his very excellence could become a threat. Thus, both failure and success carried risk, and the office of Prime Vizier remained one of the most dangerous positions in the Ottoman state.